Mummies

Children's Literature

Contrary to the impression given by the slightly scary cover image, this book is actually filled with helpful, historical, and scientific information regarding mummies. The author takes great care to draw readers in by introducing the world of mummies with the most well known mummy of them all, Tutankhamun. Readers learn the story of the different versions of the supposed curse and its effects (or non-effects) on the team involved in discovering Tut’s tomb. From here, the author weaves in the how and why of the mummification process, the existence of mummies around the world, and also discusses our fascination (both fictional and nonfictional) with the world of mummies. This is a well written and engaging book. While it is not a complete guide, it is recommended as a very useful reference for middle readers interested in this aspect of archaeology. It is part of the “World of Horror” series. Reviewer: Trina Heidt