The world's most amazing lost cities

Weil's entry in the Landmark Top Ten series explores the mysteries of long-abandoned worlds. Touching on famous ruins, some real (Machu Picchu) and some the stuff of legend (Atlantis), this title also exposes readers to some lesser-known places, such as the incredibly photogenic rock-cliff city of Petra. Some U.S. students may be surprised to learn about sites close to home, including one in New Mexico. Weil uses each locale as a launching point to discuss the culture of known peoples and dig into the world of archaeology. For instance, in the section about Ubar, a lost Arabian city, students learn vocabulary words like radar and frankincense. No doubt the thrill of armchair discovery awaits young explorers bent on finding the road to El Dorado. Color photos and artists' renderings bring each location close, and an index and glossary conclude.--Jones, Courtney Copyright 2010 Booklist