You Wouldn't Want to Be an Aztec Sacrifice: Gruesome Things You'd Rather Not Know (Library Binding)

by Fiona MacDonald (Author), David Antram (Illustrator) "It is the late fifteenth century in Mesoamerica, the area where North and South America meet..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6-Uniform, present-tense, "you are there" discussions. These titles are somewhat jovial in their portrayals of ghastly subject matters, downplaying the horrors of human sacrifice, for example. Cartoon characters are about to have a tree fall on them in Railroad and find frozen bodies in the water in Titanic. In Aztec Sacrifice, "you" are a captured warrior and end up having your heart cut out as an offering to the gods. Suggestions are made as to why a warrior would not be too scared, maybe because an herbal potion could make him feel drowsy and peaceful. Every spread offers a "Handy Hint" box. In Railroad, "you" are advised to "Steer clear of the saloons and casinos-." In Aztec Sacrifice, it is suggested that "you" make offers to your city's guardian god for protection. Of the three volumes, Aztec Sacrifice is the most gruesome and will therefore appeal to a certain clientele. Because of its ever-popular topic, Titanic will have no problem finding an audience. Because of its less-gory premise, Railroad might need to follow on the popularity of the other two titles. Heavily illustrated, colorful, and far from dull, these titles will have little trouble grabbing readers' interest.
Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
A humorous and gory look at the ancient Aztec tradition of sacrificing enemy warriors to the gods.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Library Publishing (September 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531146022
• ISBN-13: 978-0531146026
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,278,460 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best historical series for kids!, June 29, 2004

By	E. GALDAMEZ "eig" (Westminster, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: You Wouldn't Want to Be an Aztec Sacrifice! (You Wouldn't Want To¿) (Paperback)

The series "You Wouldn't Want To Be..." is the best I've seen for children and for adults. I am teacher and I love them for myself as well. They are short, accurate and have the best color illustrations. Get them all. I love this one on the Aztecs. It is gory but good.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not recommended, May 25, 2009

By	Ed Powell (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: You Wouldn't Want to Be an Aztec Sacrifice! (You Wouldn't Want To¿) (Paperback)

This is a picture book for young children, but the content is a bit too much for little ones making human sacrifice seem as a topic for comedy.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Funny bone sacrifice, February 20, 2008

By	Enrique Torres "Rico" (San Diegotitlan, Califas) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This review is from: You Wouldn't Want to Be an Aztec Sacrifice! (You Wouldn't Want To¿) (Paperback)

Another funny yet useful book that teaches children about history that is part of the "You wouldn't want to be" series. The illustrations are comical but hardly accurate. I don't believe the illustrators intent was historical accuracy but rather to capture the funny bone and imagination of the young student. The big noses may be offensive to some racial sensitive types but if you go beyond that the book is quite good. The illustrations remind me of those that can be found in Mad which was a favorite of mine as a child. This particular book has many outstanding illustrations to compliment the written details of Aztec life. The gruesome topic of human sacrifice is dealt with with humor. This book is a good introduction to Aztec life but you wouldn't want to be a Aztec sacrifice unless you don't mind going through some rather dreadful scenes. In the end your spirit may become a butterfly and everyone will admire your beauty. A good learning tool for teachers and students alike, this book is recommended for K-6 and community libraries.