Book Review: Bodies from the Ice:

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Deem, James. 2008. BODIES FROM THE ICE: MELTING GLACIERS AND THE RECOVERY OF THE PAST. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 061880045X

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Glaciers are equal parts majesty and mystery, enthralling observers not only through their sheer magnitude, but for the secrets they conceal. In Bodies from the Ice, author James Deem teaches children about the mysterious and powerful glaciers, and, through recent scientific discoveries, what life must have been like in this harsh terrain thousands of years ago. Supported by beautiful, full-color photographic imagery on each page, Deem takes readers on a breathtaking journey through Niederjoch Glacier, and the enigmatic peoples who once inhabited it.

The third in his series of Bodies books, Deem’s latest work on the frozen tundra of Neiderjoch chronicles the discovery of Otzi, a 5,300-year-old frozen mummy—the oldest of its kind—and how this discovery has shaped our understanding of a long-lost people. In doing so, Deem provides a lively and thoroughly informative look at living in extreme temperatures, and how this impacts the lives of the people living there. The Neiderjoch Glacier, both stunning and deadly, adorns many pages of Bodies from the Ice, and provides a visceral backdrop for the mystery within; a society that, even today, we still do not fully understand.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Deem is adept at using imagery to further a narrative, and Bodies from the Ice proves no exception. Footage of Neiderjoch, compelling in its clarity, guides the reader along and provides a sense of both realism and magnitude, offering an almost three-dimensional experience. While Deem does not shy away from speaking directly to his audience about death, he does so in a tone that is frank and accessible to a younger audience. Some of the photographs, especially one of mummified children, may, however, be a little graphic for children in the earlier grades. Nevertheless, Bodies from the Ice is clearly written from an informed perspective, conveying factual information concisely and with a solid sense of credibility. Deem’s third effort proves a worthy addition to the critically-acclaimed Bodies series.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
KIRKUS REVIEWS starred review: "An intriguing read, complementing the author’s highly commended Bodies from the Bog (1998) and Bodies from the Ash (2005), with a bonus environmental message..."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred review: “With its extensive bibliography, suggested Web sites, and a listing of glaciers to visit, Bodies is a fantastic resource.”
BOOKLIST review: "There are books about melting glaciers and books about frozen bodies, but this attractive offering combines the topics in a way that will intrigue readers.”


5. CONNECTIONS
*Other books in the Bodies series:
Deem, James. BODIES FROM THE ASH: LIFE AND DEATH IN ANCIENT POMPEII. ISBN 0618473084
Deem, James. BODIES FROM THE BOG. ISBN 0618354026
Other accessibly-written books on glaciers:
Brimner, Larry. GLACIERS. ISBN 0516271911.
Simon, Seymour. ICEBERGS AND GLACIERS. ISBN 0688167055.