Secrets of the Mayan Ruins

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

Off to the ruins of ChichTn Itzß, Ray and Rachel are despairing that this is the place where the family will be taking its vacation. To make it even worse, the other kid their age is know-it-all Andrew. The three stumble upon thieves stealing the Mayan artifacts and together have quite an adventure and bring the culprits to justice. An easy reading, fast paced mystery story that imparts information about the Mayan. Part of the "Passport Mysteries" series.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6Three youths in their early teens, one of whom is a walking encyclopedia on the ancient Indian civilizations in Mexico, join forces to explore the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, and in the process solve the mystery of stolen Mayan artifacts. Characterization is minimal with one member of the trio being a stereotypical nerd and the other two, a brother and sister, following along since there doesn't seem to be anything better to do. Suspense is slow building and the villains seem obvious from the beginning. Still, the text is packed full of information about the ancient Yucatan peninsula civilizations and may spark interest in further reading. A map of the Mayan ruins is included.Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA