Little People and a Lost World: An Anthropological Mystery (Discovery!) [Library Binding]

Linda Goldenberg (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4–8—More than a look at archaeology, this title is also a refreshing introduction to scientific controversy. The story begins on Flores Island, part of Indonesia, when a team of archaeologists and anthropologists discovers a skeleton in a cave. At first, it was thought to be the body of a child, due to its small size, but, after analysis, the scientists learned that it was the skeleton of a woman who lived on the island more than 12,000 years ago. The intellectual controversy that followed concerns differing expert opinions on whether the skeleton belonged to a very small adult human or to a never-before-seen ancestor of modern humans. Goldenberg's narrative is lucid and straightforward, which helps to make the otherwise confusing sequence of events and scientific theories easier to understand. The writing flows well and creates an adventurous and engaging atmosphere. This is the right fit for readers who are interested in prehistoric subjects, like fossils or dinosaurs, but may be looking for something else. Additionally, the story will attract readers who may not typically be interested in this subject or in nonfiction in general. Throughout the text, sidebars give relevant information on archaeological theories as well as explanations of the techniques and technology employed by researchers at archaeological sites. Color photographs and diagrams help to explain some of the theories discussed.—Michael Santangelo, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* This account of the 2003 discovery of the Flores Island "hobbits" is at least as much a case study in rivalries within the scientific community as it is a record of an exciting, controversial find. Fragmentary and so fragile that an apparent attempt to create a mold of the pelvis smashed it to bits, the remains of one or more three-foot-tall humans (or prehumans) have not only been subjected to ownership disputes in Indonesia but have also sparked international arguments about how old they actually are and whether they represent a new species or just someone with severe medical problems. Along with thumbnail sketches of the history of paleontology and of "little people" in folklore worldwide (tantalizingly, the modern residents of Flores Island tell such tales), Goldenberg presents clearly explained positions and counterpositions while delving into sometimes-murky details of how the remains have been handled--and mishandled--since being unearthed. Illustrated with color photos and backed by extensive multimedia resource lists, this will add important insights to the study of early humans as well as, more broadly, how science and politics interact. John Peters
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Library Binding: 112 pages
• Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books (CT) (September 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0822559838
• ISBN-13: 978-0822559832
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,540,401 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Little People and a Lost World, June 16, 2008

By 

Jane Grey (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Little People and a Lost World: An Anthropological Mystery (Discovery!) (Library Binding)

When my son said this book told an "amazing story" and was fun to read, I decided I had to read it, too. I have to agree with him. The author has a wonderful and fast-paced style that conveys the excitement of the discovery of the Little People. The book also shows the politics and strong personalities of the scientific world. In addition to explaining the scientific importance of the find, the book also contains wonderful folklore about gnomes and others that adds to this fascinating story. I highly recommend it.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Summary of an important find, August 1, 2007

By 

Mr. P. Sykes "amazon123" (UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Little People and a Lost World: An Anthropological Mystery (Discovery!) (Library Binding)

A short account of a truly important historic event.
Leaves the reader with more questions than answers, more specifically the lack of original photographs which you would expect from the format and size of this book is disappointing.