Rediscovering Easter Island

Children's Literature

Stonehenge is not the only place on earth with mysterious stone statues. Pelta takes the reader on a journey to Easter Island off the Chilean coast where other mysterious stone statues exist. The author has gathered information from both scientists and historians in an attempt to tell the story of this intriguing island. The book is filled with numerous photos, charts and maps, which guide the reader on this journey. Beginning with the first chapter which chronicles Easter Island's discovery in the late 1600s through the last chapter, some of the secrets of Easter Island are examined and explored. What once appeared as a mystery might now be labeled an unknown. This is an excellent book with a fascinating account and also useful to introduce research methods to young historians. 2001, Learner Publications, $23.93. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Rita Karr

School Library Journal

Gr 5 Up-The story of this mysterious island is documented in this attractive, lively volume. Recorded history is related chronologically in eight chapters. Various theories surrounding the origins of the Easter Islanders, including Thor Heyerdahl's Kon Tiki expedition, are described. Beautiful full-color photographs of the stone statues and artifacts are interwoven with the text, along with historical photographs, illustrations, and a map. Four special inserts, designed to resemble parchment, highlight the legend of how people came to the island, the art of tattooing, the Cult of the Birdman, and the battle of Poike Ditch. Pelta describes her research methodology at the end of the book, listing her sources that include many primary documents. She includes an appropriate quote by missionary Father Sebastian Englert: "Development of knowledge-consists of the constant correction of errors-and when the subject is enigmatic Easter Island, no man's knowledge is complete or secure." Two pages of notes referring readers to bibliographic sources are appended. This book is a welcome addition when compared to Caroline Arnold's much briefer treatment in Easter Island: Giant Stone Statues Tell of a Rich and Tragic Past (Clarion, 2000; o.p.).-Doris Gebel, Northport-East Northport Public Library, NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.