Archaeologists Dig for Clues (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2) [Paperback]

Kate Duke (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 13, 1996 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2

Archaeologists on a dig work very much like detectives at a crime scene. Every chipped rock, charred seed, or fossilized bone could be a clue to how people lived in the past. In this information-packed Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science book, Kate Duke explains what scientists are looking for, how they find it, and what their finds reveal.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4. This book has the appealing layout and tone of the successful "Magic School Bus" series (Scholastic), while still being firmly grounded in reality. Three children, a dog, and a cat accompany their archaeologist friend Sophie on a dig. The woman explains the scientific process, exuding enthusiasm for her chosen career. The inquisitive children, always referred to collectively, ask realistic questions in often humorous dialogue. Discussions regarding ancient and modern garbage are particularly amusing. Another nice touch is the discovery of animal bones, which are later reconstructed in a laboratory. The way of life practiced in the Archaic Era of 6,000 years ago is described via archaeological finds such as an awl and a stone knife. Students will find this lively book more fun than photographic treatments such as Dennis Fradin's Archaeology (Children's Press, 1983). Upbeat, conversational text, fact-filled sidebars, speech bubbles, and instructive illustrations provide a delightful cornucopia of information that students will return to again and again.?Jackie Hechtkopf, Talent House School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 1^-4. In this lively, informative title in the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series, a boy and his friends go on a dig in a local cornfield with their archaeologist friend Sophie. The children are disappointed when they don't find treasure or a mummy; all they dig up are rocks and pebbles and dust. But Sophie explains that archaeologists love garbage and that the fun is in the detective work, on the site and in the lab, finding out how ordinary people lived long ago. In addition to the main narrative, sidebars provide facts and activities ("What Would Your Garbage Tell about You?"), and the cartoon-style color drawings add informality, excitement, and comic relief. As is the norm now in concept books, it's taken for granted that the cast is ethnically diverse; one scientist in the lab is in a wheelchair. The affected blond kid who worries about dirtying her sneakers ends up getting totally involved ("Cool!"). So will many readers. Hazel Rochman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Collins (December 13, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064451755
• ISBN-13: 978-0064451758
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,139 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Social Science > Archaeology
  • #1 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > Prehistoric
  • #3 in Books > Children's Books > History > Prehistoric

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well-conceived and informative, May 8, 2000

By 

Nancy Parry McCluer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Archaeologists Dig for Clues (Let's Read-and-Find Out Science. Stage 2) (Hardcover)

This book is part of the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series, which has more than 80 titles. The Stage 1 books explain simple and easily observable science concepts for preschool- and kindergarten-age children. Stage 2 books, which includes this title, explore more challenging concepts for children in the primary grades and include hands-on activities that children can do themselves. "Archaeologists Dig For Clues" is well-conceived and informative, with bright cartoon drawings. It is formatted a little like the "Magic School Bus" books, more for upper elementary kids.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Tells It Like It Is, March 1, 2006

By 

Loves To Play in Dirt (Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Archaeologists Dig for Clues (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2) (Paperback)

As a soon to be teacher, and part time archaeologist, this is by far the best book about archaeology for young kids I have found. It gives accurate information in fun, easy to understand language. My students were always interested in my summer and weekend work outside of the school. It was wonderful to find a book I could share with them that was not over their heads. My archaeology professor from college even borrowed it to share with his entry level classes.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good coverage of major points for this age, June 26, 2007

By 

Cookie's mom (Lawrenceville, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Archaeologists Dig for Clues (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2) (Paperback)

Rather brief story, but an excellent introduction for the reader in grades 1-3 who is interested in archaeology. Good coverage of major points for this age range--what archaeology is, types of objects likely to be found, that the work continues into the lab, etc. I just wish there was something this good to introduce the same ideas for upper elementary students--I thought about using this story with an older group because the concepts were introduced so well, but decided they would find the story too juvenile.