Worldwide hominin discoveries and their respective merits unveil an engaging archeological study. Scientific and decidedly not stuffy, the scholarship reads like a story and gifts readers with knowledge and resources for further study. Source Notes, Further Readings, Timeline, Glossary, Archaeologist Bio-references, Bibliography, Author’s Note, Index, Webliography.

This upper middle school/ high school nonfiction book emphasizes the slow, careful work in the lab that goes into modern archaeology and moves away from the image of the Indiana Jones-like figure in four cases studies of important finds in the tree of human evolution. Each case study is laid out in four chapters: discovery, deductions, debates, and further reading and source notes, allowing readers to read about all four discoveries or just one. Throughout, the need for team work and preservation is emphasized. Every Bone Tells a Story is refreshingly honest about the shortfalls of modern archaeology: each case study leaves the reader with some thus-far unanswered questions. However, rather than feeling incomplete, the reader may be encouraged to find more information on their own, although some student researchers may be disappointed by the lack of closure. A time line of the discoveries and human history is included, as is a glossary. Student researchers will find this book a helpful starting place, while many nonfiction readers may read it for pleasure. Color illustrations are thoughtfully included throughout. Highly recommended. ( )

Review from library copy.

Not as dull as you'd expect. Interesting with Written in Bone. ( )

VOYA-based ratings:
Quality: 4Q
Popularity: 3Q

Rubalcaba and Robertshaw have crafted an intelligent and coherent non-fiction book out of 4 of the most exciting and perplexing archeological finds in recent history. Each chapter is compelling and filled with facts about the process of the excavation, the deductions that scientists have come to, and the mysteries that these remains have created. I was especially interested in reading about the remains found in Washington state (because I live there), and I think the authors did a good job of talking about the politics and controversies of the case in a neutral light.

Rubalacaba and Robertshaw gather information on 4 discoveries and what they have contributed to this field of study. As someone who knows little about bones, this book is accessible to most anyone who is interested. The glossary is also very helpful. The questions that arise and are unanswered make this book useful in a Literature class. The four stories can be used in a small group setting and will appeal to students who may enjoy science or archeology. The timeline and photographs (which are great quality) add to the stories as well. ( )