Out of the Ice: How Climate Change Is Revealing the Past

by Claire Eamer, Drew Shannon (Illustrations)

As climate change is warming our planet, the ice in Earth's cryosphere is melting --- from glaciers to mountaintop patches to permafrost. An unexpected result of this melting has been the discovery of artifacts that were long preserved in the ice's depths. Tools, clothing and, perhaps most remarkable, human bodies have been revealed at the edges the retreating ice. Examining these discoveries, along with traces of plants and animals also melting out of the ice, is the work of researchers in a brand-new scientific field called glacial archaeology. This one-of-a-kind introduction to the work of these researchers examines some of the fascinating artifacts that have been uncovered and the insights they provide into how our ancestors lived. It also describes the urgency of this work; as soon as these clues to the past become exposed to the elements, they begin to disintegrate.

Award-winning author Claire Eamer keeps the interest level high with her intriguing stories, organized into thirteen chapters. The accessible text is complemented by loads of eye-catching visuals, such as photos of actual artifacts and mummified remains, along with Drew Shannon's full-color illustrations. The table of contents, timeline, references, glossary and index enhance the book's classroom utility. This timely book is an excellent choice for updated lessons on the impacts of changes in the environment. Information here covers subjects ranging from science and technology to environmental studies to history and geography.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Environment, Picture Books, Canada, Childrens, Middle Grade

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 4, 2018

About the author

I'm a writer of non-fiction for kids, mainly science and a little history. My books are published by Annick Press and available through all the usual commercial distributors, including major online bookstores. I also write children's magazine articles, popular science articles for adults, and do a variety of contract writing, mostly related to science. "

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a long book with dense writing. I did not read this to the kids as I didn’t think they could find enough interest. I did read through it and I found it really interesting. Due to Climate Change, the ice and permafrost is melting revealing so many secrets from Earth’s past. Animals, weapons and even people thousands of years old.

It really is a fascinating book, but you need a child interested in more serious subjects that is able to focus and doesn’t get antsy. Our kids have been too antsy for this type of subject the past few months. It’s a good book to have and it really gets you thinking about this world.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This non-fiction book gives mixed messages about global warming. We do not want to let the ice sheets and glaciers melt, but as global warming increases, the ice sheets melt and we see what's trapped in them. We learn about the history of the world from the archaeological finds in them. From child sacrifices high up in the Andes, to mammoths killed by humans a long way away from where humans were supposed to be living, as well as mountain climbers, and caribou dung, there ahave been many things found in the meltpools. The frozen sections of our world are telling us a lot about the past, and this book, with great choices of illustration and text, is sharing this with us. What a great book to use in school when learning about archaeology, ice covered environments and global warming. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bad thing about climate change is that all the worlds ice is melting. Ice that has not melted for thousands of years. That means the sea levels will go up, and that the Arctic and Anarchic are shrinking.

But, one small good thing about all this, is that trapped in the ice, has been our ancestors. Ice is an excellent method of preservation, and archeologists are finding bodies and materials in the ice that are surprisingly well preserved.





The book is well laid out, and the sections talk about each major find, where it was found, and what the scientists were able to figure out about it.

Well put together, and interesting to read.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review

[Etienne · Rating 1 out of 5]

A book that try to explain or related past events/history from the ice ages or close enough. It justed didn't do it really well. The explanation are not really well vulgarize/popularize, to much text to find the bottom line of it (keep in mind that it's for a young reader, something around 8-9 years old I would say), the illustrations look like a school book from a decade ago, and I try to cover lot of stuff, in fews pages, so trying to get everywhere often lead you nowhere and that's the case here. I know it's a bad review, don't want to be rude, like always it's not about/against the author, but the book itself, and this one is not good.

[Adele · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like this topic could be more interesting than this book made it. The book isn't bad, exactly, there is just nothing extra or special about it. The illustrations and text are serviceable, but not great. I feel like if a child is not already interested in glacial archaeology this book is not going to intrigue her and encourage her to find out more, and if she is already interested then she will find this book boring or annoying.

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was originally posted to my blog at https://dickenslibrary.blogspot.com/

I read a digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book presents an overview of the kinds of artifacts that are coming to light as climate change causes a melting of the earth’s cryosphere. It’s organized around specific sections. The first four chapters deal with ice patches. The second section includes three chapters about glaciers. The four chapters in the third section deal with permafrost and finally there is a chapter about the cryosphere in general.

Here's the goodreads blurb:

"As climate change is warming our planet, the ice in Earth's cryosphere is melting --- from glaciers to mountaintop patches to permafrost. An unexpected result of this melting has been the discovery of artifacts that were long preserved in the ice's depths. Tools, clothing and, perhaps most remarkable, human bodies have been revealed at the edges the retreating ice. Examining these discoveries, along with traces of plants and animals also melting out of the ice, is the work of researchers in a brand-new scientific field called glacial archaeology. This one-of-a-kind introduction to the work of these researchers examines some of the fascinating artifacts that have been uncovered and the insights they provide into how our ancestors lived. It also describes the urgency of this work; as soon as these clues to the past become exposed to the elements, they begin to disintegrate."

The layout is pleasing. Information on each page is accompanied by illustrations and photographs. Most of these have captions that explain what is happening. The illustrations give the reader a sense of what the world was like at the time the discovered artifacts were created.

There are sidebars with additional data. The back matter contains a glossary, an index, a timeline, and a list of where to go for further information.

I sure wish this book had been around when I working with a group of classrooms doing research on aspects of the hydrosphere. I would have purchased at least one copy. This book will be an invaluable resource in Elementary schools in all kinds of ways. Budding archeologists and anthropologists will be fascinated. So too will young meteorologists and hydrologists. Who doesn't want to read about ancient hunters and their tools, learn about mummies, and ancient rituals? It’s a fun and informative read for all of us.

However, I have one significant criticism of this book. While it does discuss how rapidly major aspects of the cryosphere are melting, at no point does it address the implications for how devastating this is going to be.

Let's face it - it's not going to be, "Oh goody! Look at what we can learn as all this ice melts."

[Robert Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


Out of the Ice," is a nice little educational read, designed to teach kids about the time of the "Great Ice Age" and some of the many tools they used. These tools were discovered when the ice that has been around for hundreds of thousand of years started to melt thanks to global warning. The Earth still has hundred of thousand of secrets still frozen in time, some just below the surface.

We now know that was a really early version of the bow and arrow pictured below.

I can say, this is a book I would let my child read when they are in that true learning stage. Right around seven or eight years old, would be the perfect time.

For pictures please visit http://writersauthorities.com/2018/08...

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of the Ice : How Climate Change is Revealing the Past by Claire Eamer, Illustrated by Drew Shannon, NON FICTION Kids Can Press, 2018. $18. 1771387319

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Global warming is melting the glaciers and permafrost revealing long frozen artifacts. Tools, clothing, animals and even ancient people are being revealed as the ice recedes. Radiocarbon dating helps us place the age of organic material, and tools and weapons found along side bodies and animal remains are rewriting history.

Short chapters make this so easy to read, illustrations are provided alongside photographs, and boxed text of "additional information" ties everything together. Includes a glossary, timeline, index and bibliography. This is a great springboard for a report on archaeology, climate change or global warming.

Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that almost makes you want global warming to increase, so the ice sheets melt and we see what's trapped in them. From child sacrifices high up in the Andes, to mammoths killed by humans a long way away from where humans were supposed to be living, to recent mountain climbers being reborn from glacial meltpools, the frozen sections of our world are telling us a lot about the past, and this school-friendly book, with great choices of illustration and very good text, is our window to it all. Strongly recommended, especially as I can't think there are many rival volumes on exactly the same subject. Four and a half stars.

[Tia Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free galley from NetGalley in exchange for an open and honest review*

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!

As an archaeology student, I found all the information extremely accurate and interesting. This book teaches children SO much and does so in such an exciting and captivating way. I want a hard copy of this book so badly as this is the type of book I would want my future children to read. It was very well written and I thought the illustrations were so fun and beautiful. Overall, a great learning tool and reminder for all of us to watch our carbon footprint!

[♛primadonna♛ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Global Warming is hindering science as well as the health of the earth. This books helps let the readers learn more about the past and the importance of the ice. The lessons on the ice needing to remain cold for science and history are awesome lessons.

[Amanda Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This nonfiction book reads like a chapter book. It is engrossing and I loved the subject. I worry that a politician will take it and use it to encourage climate change but children will just enjoy stories of people finding relics in the melting ice.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous book full of information about discoveries being made in melting ice and permafrost - artifacts and bodies of people and animals buried long ago. Very interesting with great illustrations - glacial archaeology.

[Aliza Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating information on the animals, plants, and objects that have been discovered in melting glaciers and permafrost. A mix of illustrations and photographs engage the reader.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great springboard for a report on archaeology, climate change or global warming. Read my full review at https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Amie's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic non-fiction book for children.

Illustrations are relevant and eye-pleasing to children while also being historically correct.

It is important that today's children understand the changes that are happening due to climate change.

I believe it is very important for children to learn about the correlation between the actions of people and the deterioration of the environment. It is never too early to get kids involved in the environmental movement.

I rate this book as 4 OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.

[Brooklyn || The Wild Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read & evaluated this book for the Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable (VCLR)'s Information Book Award for 2019.

This book had a unique concept for discussing climate change. However, I wish there was a clearer emphasis on climate change as opposed to the findings from within the ice. The language was easy to follow and the book had an index, brief glossary, and timeline.

[Roozy Doozy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about things that come out of the ice preserved because they don’t rot in the ice. It’s cool how it just stays in the ice preserves for like 5000 years. The ice is melting because of climate change and if no one finds the objects they rot away! If they do find them they can learn a lot about ancient people and how they thought.

[Wylaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was scary. And fascinating.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very very interesting book. It’s about things that have been found in the melting ice, glaciers, ext as climate change heats our planet. This book covers mammoths, puppies, people, weapons, etc. it’s well laid out and uses a mix of illustrations and real pictures to attract readers. The only bad thing is that It makes climate change sound like a good thing, like a treasure hunt, instead of something bad.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of the Ice: How Climate Change is Revealing the Past, written by Claire Eamer and illustrated by Drew Shannon, is an engaging and informative look at new discoveries that have been revealed thanks to the impact of climate changes in climes where snow and ice have buried remains for centuries or millennia.

It begins with a general overview to very briefly introduce the concept and cause of climate change, the impact on the colder places of the world, and terms such as cryosphere and glacial archaeology. From there it moves into specific, detailed examples of recent discoveries and what they can tell us about human life at their time. Amongst those discoveries are:
In the Yukon — caribou dung and an atlatl from 2400 and 4300 years ago respectively
From Norway artifacts revealing the hunting methods from long ago
From a Canadian glacier, the body of a young man who lived between1720 and 1850
From the Alps, the body of “The Iceman”, perhaps the most famous of such discoveries
From Central Asia, Scythian tombs from 2500 years ago
From the Andes, the bodies of young children sacrificed to the Incan gods
From Siberia, various animals including cave-lion cubs and wooly mammoths

Not all the examples are ancient; one example is the discovery of a mountain climber’s body, found several decades after he’d fallen to his death in 1979.

Each segment includes a sidebar that adds information. Sometimes it’s a second example, sometimes it’s to explain a technology (carbon-dating for example) or a term (mummification) or to explain a particular process. Each segment is also liberally enhanced by photographs and clear illustrations.

The book closes with a section explaining how the cryosphere is disappearing and how fragile what it uncovers can be. Following the text, Eamer has added a brief glossary, a short bibliography for further study, a useful timeline summarizing the discoveries in order, and an index.

My only admittedly tiny complaint is that I wish Eamer had given a sense of the negative aspect of climate change (recognizing obviously this isn’t the book’s focus) so readers aren’t left with the possible thought that “hey, this is good that the climate is warming!” But that’s really a minor issue. Otherwise, Out of the Ice is a concisely informative and often fascinating book of non-fiction for young readers and thus easy to recommend.

[J. d'Merricksson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of the Ice: How Climate Change is Revealing the Past by Claire Eamer & Drew Shannon is a neat little book introducing middle-grade readers to archaeology, which I'm always in favour of. I learned about a new branch of archaeology! Called glacial archaeology, it is the study of artifacts and the like emerging from the earth’s cryosphere, or cold layer. Rising temperatures are melting the glaciers, ice caps, and permafrost, revealing formerly hidden sites. The book is divided into sections that look at ice patches, glaciers, and permafrost finds from around the world. Thanks to the preservation quality of the cold, archaeologists are able to learn a great deal about past flora and fauna, and about our ancestors’ ways of life. The information was easy to read and process for younger readers, but still interesting for adults. Perfect addition to any middle school science class library!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Kids Can Press for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.