The Mysteries of Angkor Wat

Gr 4—6—This ancient temple, located in the jungles of Cambodia, has long been a source of mystery, reverence, and wonder. Sobol takes readers on a journey into the heart of the 1000-year-old ruins and presents a fascinating look at the history of the temple, the people who built it and worshipped there, and the current culture surrounding it. A good amount of information is presented while keeping the text conversational and accessible for young people. Sobol describes illuminating talks with his guide, John Teng; interactions with local children; and the history of the Khmer people and their empire, which mysteriously disappeared in the 15th century. The handsome book contains captioned color photographs on each page; they give interesting glimpses into the modern lives of the people living around this ancient site and a fascinating look at the ruins themselves. A list of "Angkor Wat Facts" is provided at the end of the book. This volume is a good companion to Michael and Mary B. Woods's Seven Wonders of Ancient Asia (21st Century Books, 2008), which discusses Angkor Wat, but does not provide the firsthand view that Sobol offers.—Rita Meade, Brooklyn Public Library, NY