Utahraptor: The Deadliest Dinosaur (Special Dinosaurs) [Hardcover]

Don Lessem (Author), Donna Braginetz (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1996 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up | Series: Special Dinosaurs

Describes the research and paleontological investigation that led to the identification and classification of one of the most recent dinosaurs to be discovered, a huge, vicious hunter named the Utahraptor.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5?This photo essay offers a glimpse into the life of an Anishinabe family as they spend a summer on the powwow trail. Throughout the year, the Anishinabe (also known as Ojibway or Chippewa) hold various feasts and ceremonies, and during the summer, some families attend as many as 12 powwows, enjoying the singing, dancing, and visiting with friends and relatives. Using the motif of the circle of life, the author compares events experienced by the Downwind family with the four seasons. She attempts to invoke an understanding of Indian ways by asking readers to compare their own family rituals (attending church, summering at a cabin, or participating in sports) with the Native tradition of the powwow. Unfortunately, the writing style is uneven, the voice jumping from second to first to third person. The photographs, while colorful, are dark and often without a clear focus. George Ancona's Powwow (Harcourt, 1993) offers more vibrant photos and a better overview of the subject, and Sandra King's Shannon: An Ojibway Dancer (Lerner, 1993) is a more accessible look at modern Indian life. Nevertheless, in areas with high demand, Rendon's title will serve as an additional purchase.?Anna DeWind, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 3^-6. Rendon follows the Downwind family (members of the Anishinabe tribe in northern Minnesota) one summer as they attend a series of weekend powwows. This contemporary family--including parents Sharyl and Windy and their five natural children and five foster children--helps pass on its heritage by participating in these festivals, which include singing, dancing, visiting relatives, and celebrating what Native Americans refer to as the circle of life. The author, who is also Anishinabe, is careful to explain the Native American view of life cycles, especially as it corresponds to the seasons. She also details how modern powwows developed from these ancient cyclical observances. Clear, informative photographs help clarify the text and leave readers with the sense that they have accompanied the Downwinds. An ideal choice for classroom units on contemporary Native American life, this will also be popular with browsers. Kay Weisman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (April 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876149883
• ISBN-13: 978-0876149881
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,440,176 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars It Was Okay., August 12, 2011

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PuzzleDino - See all my reviews

This review is from: Utahraptor: The Deadliest Dinosaur (Special Dinosaurs) (Hardcover)

Based on the other review, I would think this was jam-packed with cover-to-cover details with stunning illustrations. Now, to be fair, I haven't read any other Utahraptor books, but basically, to me, this was almost like reading a children's book. And the formatting of the text on a certain page is a little strange. It's all pressed at the bottom, like the author or artist thought about putting a picture there, but then changed their mind. The pictures were fun to look at, especially for size comparison with other dromaeosaurs. However, to me, I think they spent a little too much time talking about T-rex and Allosaurus, but I guess it was good background information. (Though to me it seemed like they were trying to fill up pages.) Then again, this is a 1996 book, so they probably didn't have much yet.

1 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars amazing book about one of the most amazing dinosaurs., September 18, 1999

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[e-mail] (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Utahraptor: The Deadliest Dinosaur (Special Dinosaurs) (Hardcover)

One of the best books about the Utahraptor ever written. However this book is evolutionistic in its basis, and offers some untrue evolutionistic theorys. I still would recomend this book for someone who want's to learn about one of God's most amazing creations.