Bodies from the Ice (Module 4)

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Deem, James M.. 2008. Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN: 9780618800452

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Looking at the discoveries that have been made from bodies frozen in glaciers, James Deem brings the reader into a riveting world of historical artifacts, harrowing mountain climbing expeditions, fun sight seeing tales, and even child sacrifices. A final chapter on visiting glaciers and becoming more eco-friendly rounds out this book.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Bodies from the Ice encourages curiosity through Deem’s obvious enthusiasm about this subject. The language used throughout the book teaches but doesn’t talk too high or low. Explanations abound while not losing the readability by employing sidebars and inserts, e.g. types of glaciers and a detailed photo showing the three steps of Everest. This book is packed with facts and stories that make the world of glaciers and recovery from them fascinating. Deem uses maps, historical photos, historical postcards, artifacts, newspapers, and drawings to bring in interest and illustrate clear research.

Deem begins with the most important find in the history of glacial discoveries: the oldest man, Otzi, who had lived 5300 years earlier. Although the sequence of the chapters is not so clear, each chapter is exclusively dedicated to one specific place/glacier and the finds there. Through the reference aides such, as a table of contents and detailed index, the book is highly useable for research as well as an enjoyable read. Deem ends with a list of glaciers to visit, suggested websites, acknowledgments, bibliography, and illustration credits that also help in further information gathering.

The photos are one of the most mesmerizing parts of the entire book. They are crisp, clear, and well-researched. The captions explain each photo and help bring in an extra layer of insight. The design is attractive and keeps the pages turning. The pictures can admittedly be slightly graphic and gruesome, but Deem never allows the book to be anything but interesting and scientific.

Deem also does a great job of differentiating fact from theory. For example, in the final chapter “Saving the Past,” Deem writes that the reason for the glaciers receding could be pollution/global warming or an ice age cycle, and there is no way to know for sure. He includes suggestions on working towards helping the environment at home and most importantly visiting the glaciers while we can. However, he allows for both theories and does not postulate on which one he believes to be true.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

• ALA Notable Book
• Robert F. Sibert Informational Award Honor Book
• Booklist review: “There are books about melting glaciers and books about frozen bodies, but this attractive offering combines the topics in a way that will intrigue readers.”
• Horn Book starred review: “The design, with its variety of photographs, captions, and sidebars, seals the appeal.”
• Kirkus Review starred review: “Photos of skulls, mummified bodies and artifacts will fascinate readers.”
• Library Media Connection starred review: “This book is a treat to look at, but is also chock-full of enough text and factual information to be a great resource for research reports.”
• School Library Journal starred review: “Deem superbly weaves diverse geographical settings, time periods, and climate issues into a readable work that reveals the increasing interdisciplinary dimensions of the sciences.”

5. CONNECTIONS

• Look at James Deem’s website for further information about glaciers. He has buttons that will get you news, books, exhibits, a powerpoint, links, and information on visiting glaciers. Use the website to look at his personal biography and other books he has written as well. Deem would make a great nonfiction author to highlight.
• Do this simple experiment with marshmallows to help students understand how glaciers are formed.
  
• Other books on glaciers:

Alean, Jürg and Michael Hambrey. Glaciers. ISBN: 9780521828086

Bodden, Valerie. Glaciers (Our World). ISBN: 9781583414620

Dubowski, Mark. Ice Mummy (Step-Into-Reading, Step 4). ISBN: 9780679856474

Sexton, Colleen. Glaciers (Blastoff Readers: Learning About the Earth). ISBN: 9781600141133

Simon, Seymour. Icebergs and Glaciers. ISBN: 9780688167059