Children of Time

Gr 4–8—Weaver bases six fictional scenarios on scientific discoveries about fossil remains of ancient human ancestors. Devoting her first chapter to a boy in New Mexico helping archaeologists uncover artifacts of the Clovis people, she explains how scientists carefully excavate and record remnants of ancient life. As Miguel thinks about the people who lived in his area thousands of years ago, his imagination carries him back much further to Africa. The following five accounts present exciting vignettes of what life might have been like at different points from 2,500,000 to 26,000 years ago. Over time the hominid groups developed language, made sophisticated tools, and participated in complex social organizations. Finding food was always paramount, but at times the hominids lost their battle with other animals. After each chapter, Weaver identifies the fossil remains on which she based her main characters and explains what scientists currently think about human development. Celeskey's illustrations, which accompany both the stories and the science explanations, rely heavily on shades of brown and orange and seem curiously static, even during dramatic scenes. Unfortunately, the first story is the weakest. Readers who persevere to the accounts of the distant past will discover more engaging narratives. Teachers in need of an alternate way to present information about human evolution might consider Weaver's approach. Catherine Thimmesh's Lucy Long Ago (Houghton Harcourt, 2009) is a more straightforward presentation.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato