History smashers Ancient Egypt

Gr 4--7--At its core, this title understands the endless appeal of Ancient Egypt, which has held generations of kids in its thrall. Messner brings readers on an engaging journey through chronology of Ancient Egypt, from pyramids and mummies to assassination plots and rumors of curses. The book's combination of cartoon illustrations, historical photographs, and comic strip sections will appeal to all sorts of readers, and its humorous tone facilitates information and the introduction of new vocabulary. Messner's inclusion of the controversies around Egyptian archeological excavations and looting by Europeans during the 19th century (and onward) is particularly impressive in its nuance and delivery. An index, back matter, and extensive bibliography make this book an excellent option for classroom usage. VERDICT The latest entry in the massively popular "History Smashers" series is accurate, entertaining, and compulsively readable--a must-purchase for library and classroom collections alike.--Molly Saunders