Bodies from the Ice

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Deem, James M. 2008. Bodies from the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 9780618800452.

PLOT SUMMARY

James Deem has put together an interesting study of glaciers and the mysteries they hold. Beginning with a couple’s discovery of 5000 year old Ötzi in the Niederjoch Glacier of the Ötzal Alps, Deem takes his readers on an exciting journey around the world, from glacier to glacier, as bodies in the ice are uncovered and studied. Deem explores the glaciers, which, despite their inanimate nature, advance and retreat, shifting and changing with sometimes astonishing rapidity. Each glacier studied, from mountain ranges across Europe to the Andes Mountains in South America to the Himalayas of Asia, has given up clues to mankind’s past. Deem relates factual information about glaciers and their formation and possible extinction. In addition, he shares some of the beliefs held by people of long ago who inhabited towns at the base of the glaciers. Through the use of sidebars, captions, and full-page essays, Deem includes stories of people who have studied glaciers and the bodies pulled from them.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Bodies in the Ice is a great book for browsing and reading about interesting bits of information, looking at the pictures, and reading captions. As a cover-to-cover read, it seems to lack focus. Is it about glaciers? Is it anthropological in nature? What are we learning here? Even though it is obviously necessary to know about glaciers in order to understand the significance of what these glaciers are beginning to give up and why, transitions between discussions about glaciers and the discussions about their yield were often confusing and did not flow together seamlessly. Throughout the book, Deem scatters tidbits of information about the melting of glaciers, and at the end focuses briefly on global warming. He leaves the reader wondering if that was what the book was about - the need to protect the environment in order to keep glaciers from disappearing forever.

Deem uses a wide variety of photographs of the actual bodies found in the glaciers, along with pictures of tools and clothing found with the bodies. There is a certain macabre air that is sure to appeal to those who enjoy looking at mummified remains and skeletons. In addition, he inserts artwork depicting artists’ perceptions of glaciers at various times throughout history. Deem has carefully documented the scientific trail that begins when each body is found. However, one glaring error (at least to this reviewer) within the text brings accuracy into question. In the story of “Women on the Glaciers,” Deem refers to Marie Paradis as a twenty-two year old in 1808 or 1809. Thirty years later, she is referred to as being sixty years old. While this is a small detail, it makes the reader question the accuracy of other details in the book.

This same story is an example of Deems inability to maintain focus on his topic. While the story of Marie Paradis in 1808 and Countess Henriette D’Angeville in 1838 ascending Mont Blanc is an interesting one, it has little to do with the topic at hand, namely, bodies in the ice.

Bodies in the Ice is full of captioned photographs, maps, essays, sidebars, and drawings. Each page has at least one graphic feature; often there are two or three.

PERSONAL RESPONSE

In spite of the awards and positive reviews this book has received, I do not feel that it is well written. A reader should not have to refer back to the title to ascertain what the book is supposed to be about. And while the error I found was a small one, it makes me wonder if there are other errors in the text or photos that I missed, because I don’t know enough about the subject matter.

When I read this book, my first impression was that this would be the kind of book that a pre-adolescent boy would enjoy browsing through, looking at the pictures and captions, studying the maps, and occasionally reading a page or two. To a young reader who is interested in the science of glaciers or anthropology or archeology, Bodies from the Ice might provide a sufficient overview and introduction to those topics.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Kirkus Best Children’s Books, 2008

Kirkus Book Review Stars, 2008

Notable Children’s Books, 2009; ALSC American Library Association

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2009; National Council for Social Studies

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, 2009; National Science Teachers Association

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2009; Honor Book United States

SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science, 2010; Finalist Middle Grades Science Book United States

School Library Journal Book Review Stars, 2008

Kirkus Review: “An intriguing read.”

CBC Reviewer: National Science Teachers Association: “Gripping stories of anthropological investigations are accompanied by highly informative expedition photographs of human remains discovered in glaciers around the world.”

CONNECTIONS

ü  If it is desirous to look at other bodies that have been preserved through natural means and processes, check out two other books by James Deem:

·      Bodies from the Bog. ISBN 9780618354023

·      Bodies from the Ash: Life and Death in Ancient Pompeii. ISBN: 0618473084

ü  Follow up with Deem’s suggestions to help the environment. Have students keep a personal diary of how they are following the guidelines offered in the book.

ü  Have students create posters to place around school that educate others in how we can all help the environment.

ü  Do a comparative study of the different places and cultures mentioned in the book.

ü  Examine how the earth will be a different place if the glaciers disappear.