Hominids: A Look Back at Our Ancestors

Grade 5-9 Hominids is a fascinating and well-organized account of the complicated process of piecing together prehistory from fragmentary remains. Sattler meticulously describes the changes of human evolution, always cognizant of the hypothetical nature of what is stated as archaeological fact. Along with the linear development of humans, she provides a wealth of information about the climate, food, tools, fauna, and flora that played a role in the development of mankind. Despite the difficulty of the subject matter, the succinct and clear style of both artist and writer make this book accessible to young readers. Sources cited include a plethora of recent adult science articlessources far more recent than those cited in other children's books on the topic. Although The Search for Early Man (American Heritage, 1968; o.p.) by John E. Pfeiffer and F. Clark Howell's Early Man (Time-Life Books, 1973; o.p.) cover more material, both are for an older audience. True, these two volumes include color pictures and photos, and are more comprehensive in their coverage of archaeology, but Sattler's book is more current and more child-oriented. Tom McGowen's Album of Prehistoric Man (Macmillan, 1979) is closer in format to Sattler's book, but it lacks the scientific detail (for example, species and detailed time charts) that Sattler includes. Ironically, it's this attention to detail which ultimately conveys to readers a sense of the precarious nature of our own evolution. That, along with superlative writing, illustration, and research make this book an essential resource that no children's library should lack. Cathryn A. Camper, Minneapolis Public Library
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.