Mummies Exposed!

Gr 5-8-Whether embalmed and wrapped, frozen in ice, preserved in bogs, or dried out in deserts, mummified bodies have been discovered worldwide. This fascinating book explores the variety of ways that mummification can occur and tells the stories of famous and lesser-known mummies, including the Altai Princess, Otzi the Iceman, Incan child mummies, and modern preserved bodies like Vladimir Lenin's and Eva Perón's. Hollihan's thoughtful and engaging text uses first-person accounts to place readers in the shoes of archaeologists solving historical mysteries. Short "Factlet" sections provide important context about the cultures and science being described without overwhelming readers, and Hollihan includes extensive notes and bibliographical material. The author demonstrates how "mummies are our very best link to the past" by providing information about culture, history, and medical phenomena and discusses the ethics of studying and displaying human remains. Hollihan cites Indigenous archaeologist Margaret Bruchac on the need for respect and collaboration between archaeologists and "descent communities" of the human bodies under study. VERDICT This wide-ranging and well-researched survey of mummies from around the world is a highly recommended purchase for school and public libraries.--Molly Saunders, Homewood Public Library, AL