Life in the Ancient Indus River Valley

Children's Literature

Richardson uses sidebars, detailed captions, and a glossary to layer historical context. This is a complicated era with two distinct groups: the earlier Harrapans and the later invading Aryans. Some information repeats across the different aspects of civilization (language/writing, science/technology, and government/religion) which reinforces learning. The opening includes an introductory timeline, but subsequent chapters on trading, daily life, and inventions begin at the earliest point in the topic's history and as a result, overlap in chronology. There is also information presented that might appear contradictory to younger students, e.g., while there is no archaeological evidence that the Aryans destroyed the Harrapan cities, there are some literary references to such battles in the book. Every page has multiple color photos and illustrations. They create a rich backdrop for the text and further reinforce a non-linear impression of the period. Part of the "Peoples of the Ancient World" series, this is an ambitious project which spans 5500 years in 32 pages. 2005, Crabtree Publishing Company, Ages 12 up.
—Tina Dybvik

School Library Journal

Gr 4-7-These series titles address such subjects as the arts, daily life, the economy, government, language, religious beliefs, and technology in two- to four-page illustrated chapters. The informative, straightforward texts discuss the demise of these civilizations and their modern-world legacies. Sidebars add additional notes on trade, beliefs, myths, travel, and other topics. The attractively designed books feature abundant, clear, captioned color photos of cultural artifacts and historical sites, and a few drawings. Brief time lines outline important developments. Words defined in the glossary are highlighted in bold.-Edward Sullivan, White Pine School, TN Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.