Sharuko El Arqueólogo Peruano Julio C. Tello: Peruvian Archaeologist Julio C. Tello (Bilingual Spanish/English)

Gr 3-6-Julio C. Tello dreamed of documenting Indigenous history through an Indigenous perspective. Growing up in the shadow of the Andes mountains in the late 1800s, Tello heard about the glorious history of Peru from his father. The widespread death and destruction that followed in the wake of the Spanish invasion nearly erased thousands of years of pre-European history, but Tello was determined to discover it all. His fearless curiosity earned him the nickname Sharuko, which means brave in his Quechua language. He graduated from medical school in Lima, Peru, in 1909 and earned a graduate degree in anthropology from Harvard in 1911. Upon returning to Peru, he made many important archaeological discoveries and became known as the "founder of modern Peruvian archaeology." From the discovery of ancient skulls in his youth to his appointment as director of Peru's Museum of Anthropology in 1939, Tello's drive to uncover the heritage of his people helped him become Peru's first Indigenous archaeologist. Brown's bilingual narrative is clear and straightforward, making Tello's life and achievements easily accessible. Chavarri's colorful and upbeat illustrations highlight Tello's discoveries, from the endpapers featuring stone heads extracted from the Chavín de Huántar site to the motifs of Paracas textiles. VERDICT A highly recommended and inspiring portrayal of dedication and perseverance for today's generation of explorers.—Mary Margaret Mercado, Pima County P.L., Tucson, AZ

* Informative and engaging. — The Horn Book, starred review

* Vibrant illustrations and a detailed bilingual text come together to tell the inspiring story of Julio C. Tello — Booklist, starred review

A highly recommended and inspiring portrayal of dedication and perseverance for today's generation of explorers. — School Library Journal, starred review

An Indigenous Peruvian boy grew up in the Andean highlands, visiting the tombs of his ancestors. This boy was Julio C. Tello, and he became the most important Indigenous Peruvian archaeologist of all time. In this beautiful and well-informed book, you will find the story of his perseverance and success. Tello fought against many obstacles to realize his dreams. Dr. Henry Tantaleán, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
This is a wonderful, lovingly-illustrated portrait of Julio C. Tello and his remarkable career. It will inspire young people to go out and make discoveries of their own, regardless of their backgrounds. As the founder of modern Peruvian archaeology, Tello is justly famous in Peru. This book will bring awareness of his great accomplishments to readers in North America. Dr. Richard L. Burger, Professor of Anthropology, Yale University

This compact bio of a premier archaeologist whose discoveries came from the unique perspective of someone studying his own ancestors is a strong recommendation. — The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Brown... succeeds again in making the passionate pursuit of a profession exciting for young readers. — Shelf Awareness