Incas

Children's Literature

At its strongest point, the Incas ruled more than 14 million people in the areas of Latin America now known as Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina. It also turns out the Incas had one of the longest road systems in the world at the time--some 14,000 miles across the empire, supplemented by rope bridges to cross rivers. There is a wealth of detail about government, daily life and culture in each of the "Ancient Civilizations" books, which cover the Aztecs, Mesopatamia, West African Kingdoms and the Khmer Empire. The books are written in large, easy-to-read print, with new words like ally or fortress explained right in the text. However, it is difficult to imagine the context in which young children might read these books, except in diverse classes where students of Mexican, Cambodian or African heritage might enjoy learning about their roots. The books are not written as stories but as straight nonfiction, including names of dynasties and complex timelines. Only the map in the Inca book identifies the old kingdoms with an overlay of modern country names to give readers a reference point. There is excellent colorful photography in each book, especially temples or buildings that still exist as well as religious statues and other arts and crafts. Each book also includes a glossary, index, useful addresses and Internet sites. The book about the Incas also includes a chapter about "how do we know," explaining archaeology, the way historians use artifacts to learn about such an ancient people, and who their modern descendants are. 2002, Steck-Vaughn, $22.83. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Karen Leggett

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-These slim series additions are divided into five chapters that discuss the history, daily life, culture, achievements, and archaeological discoveries made about these ancient civilizations. Unfortunately, the texts are choppy and stilted. There are a number of colorful, attractive photographs of artifacts and ruins and a few maps; however, a few are grainy or blurry. The captions add little information (names of sites not always noted, etc.). Each book concludes with a two-page glossary and list of Web sites for further information. Some of the Internet sources were informative, others could not be accessed or were no longer valid.-Cynthia M. Sturgis, Ledding Library, Milwaukie, OR Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.