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4th out of 15 books
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1 voter
If Stones Could Speak: Unlocking the Secrets of Stonehenge
by
Marc Aronson
What are the secrets of the ancient stone circle? Were the carefully placed stones a burial site, an ancient calendar, a place of Druid worship...or even a site of sacrifice? World-renowned archaeologist Mike Parker-Pearson has spent the last seven years on a quest to answer these and many other questions. In If Stones Could Speak, award-winning author Marc Aronson joins t...more
Hardcover, 64 pages
Published
March 9th 2010
by National Geographic Children's Books
(first published 2010)
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If Stones Could Speak follows archeologist Mike Parker Pearson in his studies to uncover the mysteries surrounding Stonehenge. The book gives a brief background of the myths and mysteries surrounding Stonehenge as well as some facts scientists have been able to determine about it. Then Aronson introduces the early archeological career of Pearson and how his archeological studies in Madagascar ended up connecting him to Stonehenge. It was Pearson’s work with his Madagascan colleague Ramilisonina...more
this was really fascinating juvenile nonfiction detailing some of the newest theories on the purpose of Stonehenge. The research group that the author follows has discovered a connection between Stonehenge and other ancient sites close by. Their conclusion is that it was a burial place, and that just as we do today in cemeteries, stones mark a spot for the dead. Stonehenge may have been a place of honor for the dead ancestors, pretty much negating the whole idea of it as a Druid worship site. Th...more
Archeologist, Mike Parker Pearson and the Riverside Project become involved in trying to understand what Stonehenge was used for in the past. This is the very reason Mike wanted to become an Archeologist-not because of Stonehenge, but to dig up relics from the past and to make sense of them.
With the dream of always wanting to study Stonehenge, Mike thought he never would. This dream did not become a reality until he traveled to Madagascar and met a man by the name of Ramilisonina. When given the...more
With the dream of always wanting to study Stonehenge, Mike thought he never would. This dream did not become a reality until he traveled to Madagascar and met a man by the name of Ramilisonina. When given the...more
The theories about Stonehenge have changed over time, and Aronson tells the story of Mike Parker Pearson, an archaeologist who came up with a new theory about what the site was used for in Neolithic times. His work with the Riverside Project has changed the dates when Stonehenge was built, and led to discoveries of a larger site. Pearson's theory is that Stonehenge is one end of a ceremonial complex -- the stone parts being for honoring the dead, and another wooden structure that would be used b...more
For ages mankind has wondered WTF? why are these stones (now known to come from Preseli Mountains over 150 miles away) doing? who built Stonehenge, what was it for,it is magic based, pagen based? and how did the massive tonage of stones get there? this book answeres only a few of the many questions people have been asking for ages.
First the author has done years of research at Stonehenge and in 2010 found that there were actually people buried there. So were these massive stones grave stones?it...more
First the author has done years of research at Stonehenge and in 2010 found that there were actually people buried there. So were these massive stones grave stones?it...more
One feels a bit silly reading a book targeted at younger readers, but at their best such books are approachable, quick to read synopsizes of their topic. Such is the case with this book. Aronson delivers a very readable, engaging piece on what we now understand about Stonehenge and more importantly about the area surround the famous monument. For those unaware the past 8 years have seen a revolution in our understanding of Stonehenge and its place in the landscape of sites that surround it. Aron...more
This book about Stonehenge is actually about facts that have been gathered, analyzed and reanalyzed. It asks you to open your mind and see the site through the eyes of different culture. It explores retired archaeologist, Ramilisonina's view that stones are used to mark the dead, where wood marks the living and that the function of some sites are over-thought. Also, it encourages the reader to keep reading, watching, and listening for a new perspective. Detailed color photographs, but would have...more
This book was about an archaeologist, Mike Parker Pearson, who changed the way scientists looked at Stonehenge. For centuries, Stonehenge was thought to be a temple for the druids. Mike Parker Pearson brought a colleague, Ramilisonina, who theorized that the stones at Stonehenge were put up for ancestors because people use stone when they want something to last. They theorized that Stonehenge was built to welcome dead into a permanent home.
This book was interesting for me because my son is plann...more
This book was interesting for me because my son is plann...more
The mystery of Stonehenge is fascinating, and so was the content of this book. I loved how the author made the point that the reader should not only question other sources of information, but should also question this one.
The writing style was targeted for a little younger than I was expecting, and yet the narrative itself was a touch confusing. The author was trying to tell the story of Stonehenge, the story of the various people and teams investigating Stonehenge, and his own story all at the...more
The writing style was targeted for a little younger than I was expecting, and yet the narrative itself was a touch confusing. The author was trying to tell the story of Stonehenge, the story of the various people and teams investigating Stonehenge, and his own story all at the...more
This title is not just an examination of recent breakthroughs at Stonehenge, but rather an essay on the process of archaeology & a hopeful reminder to future archaeologists that all the great sites are not yet dug or fully understood. In 2005, the Riverside Project, led by Mike Parker Pearson, made several significant discoveries that placed Stonehenge within a much larger Neolithic complex. Pearson began with a hypothesis, suggested by a retired archaeologist from Madagascar, that, as in Ma...more
This is a great overview into new insights formed from the work currently going on at Stonehenge. I find it all fascinating. I loved the end that said the work done all over the world gives insight into the findings here. I feel that strongly as I travel. From an ancient temple on a tiny island in Lake Titicaca Peru to the great Pyramids of Giza, I have made mental connections myself which were even more apparent to me as I read this book. I want to go back to Stonehenge and also visit Woodhenge...more
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Interesting. I liked the way that Aronson emphasized how important it is to look at something in a new light in order to really understand it, rather than simply accepting the status quo. The photographs are great, and I appreciated how the pictures were more than just wonderful shots of the famous henge. Aronson's first-person narration can be a bit tedious at times, but otherwise the text is put together well.
I love reading and learning about Stonehenge, and I certainly did learn a lot about the subject here. However, there were several times I had to re-read a section because I didn't understand what the author was saying. And even after I re-read it, I wasn't sure what he really meant! It was a very compelling story but I'm afraid the conclusions won't be very clear to many of its readers (like me).
A really fascinating look at Stonehenge. It focuses on the idea of challenging old ideas. The archeologist featured in the book made recent new discoveries about Stonehenge and changed a long-held view about the site. The author gives kids a glimpse of how research is done, along with informing them about the site itself. The book is just long enough, with great pictures. However, it could have been clearer in some places, and I was hoping to see more detailed pictures of how archeologists imagi...more
May 01, 2011
Emily
marked it as to-read
It's neat to see a children's book created on this fascinating topic. This would get kids thinking, and would most likely lead to more inquiry too. It is illustrated with full color photographs. The School Library Journal review says that Aronson brings up an important theme: we are constantly trying to understand history and our past. This is best for grades 4 and over.
Aronson presents the new theory on what was Stonehenge and more importantly tries to show that theories can and should be re-examined to see if new data might change our opinions on the issue. Excellent book for children, lovely photos as well as well as personal stories on how he became involved in finding more out about the new ideas of Stonehenge. I'd give it 4.5 stars.
I really did enjoy this book. It was full of historical and scientific facts. It had lots of pictures so a student can get a lot of insight from it. I would have it in my school library preferably, so that everyone who wanted to broaden their knowledge about Stone Henge. Overall terrific, a must read especially if you don't know anything about Stone Henge.
This was was very enjoyable and gave me tons of information about Stonehenge that I never knew. I do think that the book would be a little hard for elementary students to understand so I may not use it in a classroom of mine. As I was reading I was confused by some of the information, but once I understood it all I really enjoyed learning about it.
I have always been fascinated by Stonehenge and its mysteries. Aronson's book delves into the mysteries surrounding the origins of Stonehenge and what it was used for. The story behind the archeology is fascinating holds the reader's attention. It is not just dry facts, but a detective story unfolding through thousands of years of clues.
A remarkable read for anyone interested in Stonehenge, archaeology or asking questions about history. As Einstein said, "the important thing is to not stop questioning."
We would be wrong to assume that archeologists have learned all there is to know about Stonehenge. Archaeologist Mike Parker Pearson and the Riverside Project team continue to ask questions, form theories, secure funding and permissions for digs and what they discover is astonishing.
Marvelously researched, this book contains mu...more
We would be wrong to assume that archeologists have learned all there is to know about Stonehenge. Archaeologist Mike Parker Pearson and the Riverside Project team continue to ask questions, form theories, secure funding and permissions for digs and what they discover is astonishing.
Marvelously researched, this book contains mu...more
Stonehenge is a fascinating subject unto itself, but I love that this book isn't just encyclopedia-ish listings of facts. Instead, Aronson talks about how our views of history change as we discover more, and that the asking of new questions is key to better understanding the past.
THE AUTHOR PRESENTS A NEW THEORY ON STONEHENGE. HE ARGUES THAT ALL THEORIES SHOULD BE RE-EXAMINE AND COULD BE. THIS BOOK GAVE BOTH HISTORICAL INFORMATION AS WELL AS PERSONAL. IT IS A GREAT BOOK FOR CHILDREN TO LEARN ABOUT STONEHENGE AND ITS CREATION, AND IT ALSO INCLUDES GREAT PICTURES.
I found this book fascinating. With a new way of looking at Stonehenge, and also realizing that it was part of a much larger landscape which included villages, it seems as though the archaeologists are getting closer unlocking the secrets/history of this famous monument. Very interesting.
Great exploration of Stonehenge. Includes the most recent archeological evidence that has revolutionized our understanding of how Stonehenge was used. Also functions to expose the reader to the profession of archeology and the exciting discoveries that are constantly being made. Advocates the value of cross-cultural exchange and extols the benefit of collaboration with diverse professionals.
As much about the current findings on Stonehenge as it is about how to think about history. The emphasis on history not as a set of absolute facts but as and evolving understanding of what we know makes this book stand out in particular.
Amazing theories and work in progress by an archelogist team that has possibly discovered Stonehenge is just one site that worked in conjunction with another site - the Southern Circle - for travelers during the Neolithic age.
My librarian colleague Chris G. highly recommends this book; Iris has been asking about Stonehenge (she ran across it in one of the million fantasy books she's been reading lately), so I hope this will be a good one for her.
A fun exploration of an archeological mystery - what was Stonehenge used for? - that blends science and history. I didn't like it quite as much as "Written in Bone" but it has the same kind of appeal.
Aug 26, 2011
Lin Lin
added it
I heard about them, but have never learned about them before until I read this book. The book is about stonehedges in Britain and the stories about them.
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Aronson has won many awards for his books for young readers and has a doctorate in American history. His lectures cover educational topics such as mysteries and controversies in American history, teenagers and their reading, the literary passions of boys, and always leave audiences asking for more.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/marcar...
More about Marc Aronson...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/marcar...
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“This is a book about questioning what others believe to be true, not accepting ideas just because famous people say they are right. I think knowledge is more like a wave than a switch. Only very rarely do we go from being totally wrong to totally right--as a light turns off and on. Instead, what we learned before allows us to move on to what we can see next. We can surf ahead, but there will always be another challenge, another crest, another setp. We must always keep thinking and asking new questions.”
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