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 the research crew and records their efforts to crack Stonehenge’s secrets. National Geographic helped sponsor the Riverside archeological team’s mission, and now young readers can journey behind the scenes to experience this groundbreaking story first-hand, through the eyes of the experts.
Mike and his team have revolutionized our understanding of Stonehenge by exploring the surrounding landscape for clues about the stones -- an idea first suggested by a visitor from Madagascar. The results have been breathtaking: The team recently unearthed the largest Neolithic village ever found in England. Marc Aronson had total access to the site, the team, and their work over two seasons of digging and brings the inspirational story of the discoveries taking place at this World Historical Site to young readers. The informative and drama-driven text includes tales of dead bodies, cremations, feasting, and ancient rituals, as well as insights into the science of uncovering the ancien t past.
The expert text, stunning photography, and explanatory maps and illustrations will all help young readers see this ancient monument in totally new ways, and inspire future generations of archaeological explorers.
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.
"If Stones Could Speak" was interesting. I am just glad that it was a quick easy read because otherwise it would not have held my interest long enough to finish. However, those really interested in archeology might enjoy this.
In the way of a minor spoiler, the team here tried to prove the Stonehenge site was actually for mourning and remembering the dead and not a Druid temple. Of course other digs later may prove yet other theories. What I did find interesting was that Ramilisonina, an archaeologist from Madagascar, claimed to recognize it for what it was as soon as he saw it. Back where he came from, many still lived in mud and wood huts yet built stone edifices to honor their dead. Also, Richard Atkinson, one of the most famous men of his field in his time, thought it was a temple too. However, one of his helpers knew he was mistaken but was told not to question the great man. It turns out the great man was wrong.
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 planning a visit to Stonehenge this summer with my mother and learning about it will make his experience richer. He has asked me to let him read this book.
The information in this book is very interesting. The author challenges the reader to not just believe something because it is what has always been believed by others.
I am very interested in Stonehenge so I was really looking forward to this book. Unfortunately, I found it to be confusing. I don't think kids will follow.
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 that led him to a new point of view which later led Pearson to a landmark discovery, that Stonehenge was part of something bigger. I felt that the writing could have been done better in terms of explaining various concepts and ideas so young readers could more easily understand them. Also, the photographs throughout the book were mixed, some were very well placed and others just seemed like they were thrown in to take up space, the book could have done without those. The illustrations and diagrams that were included in the book were descriptive and useful; however, the reader would benefit from additional visual descriptions added throughout the book to help better understand and visualize the concepts being discussed. I would have liked the book to bring history “alive” for the reader more, in my opinion it failed in that respect. It was very interesting to read at the end of the book that shortly after Pearson’s discoveries were made another archeologist Tim Darvill made new discoveries about Stonehenge that differed slightly from Pearson’s. Aronson reiterates to the reader that one should never assume one authority is right, and to never stop thinking and questioning ideas, and he encourages readers to follow this continuing story. The Factfinder index at the end of the book includes summarized facts and information from the book, it would be a useful tool for students writing research papers and teacher lesson plans based on the book. Overall, the book was good, I do not think it will hold appeal to all young readers, but for those interested in archeology or who are studying Stonehenge specifically, the ideas presented are interesting and engaging.
I've seen the documentary about the archaeology digging . It change my view of the place and thus, it's no more one of the wonder of the world, in my opinion.
I really enjoyed this book. It presents newer theories on Stonehenge and the surrounding areas. It explains those theories in a way that is accessible to younger readers, and should spark interest in archaeology and the ancient past. If you are interested in Stonehenge and the newest research, I would definitely recommend this book.
Twin Text: Forecast from Stonehenge by R.A. Montgomery, copyright 2007.
Rationale: I paired these together because of their topics and similar reading levels. The non-fiction book tells of the many explanations through the years for Stonehenge. It states that because Stonehenge was built before written history we may never know its true purpose. However many theories throughout the years have been presented. Because the fiction book is a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book it also gives a mysterious quality to its multiple stories surrounding Stonehenge.
Text Structure: Chronological sequence, problem and solution
Strategy Application: I would use the DR-TA strategy for these books. The non-fiction selection has some great chapter titles and photographs, it would be very interesting to predict and check those predictions. The “Choose your Own Adventure” book would also be a fun text to predict because of the multitude of directions that the story could venture.
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.
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.
Book: If Stones Could Speak: Unlocking the Secrets of Stonehenge Author: Marc Aronson Publisher: National Geographic Kids (9 March 2010) Language: English Library Binding: 64 pages Reading age: 10 - 14 years Item Weight: 535 g Dimensions: 24 x 1.14 x 28.45 cm Price: 299/-
Stonehenge is an astonishing monument in its own right. Its colossal shaped stones and exclusive lintels instantaneously catch one’s consideration and hold it. It was constructed at a time when British and north European prehistoric societies were passing through a momentously significant chapter of development.
Perched on the chalk uplands of Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge is as unmistakeable as it is inscrutable.
For medieval chroniclers it was the home of the wizard Merlin; for the antiquarian John Aubrey it was a place of Druidic ceremonial. Constable and Turner painted it. 21st century neopagans flock to worship at it. But it is the efforts of archaeologists that have done the most to expound the mysteries of Britain’s most celebrated prehistoric monument.
Sites like Stonehenge provided the constancy that enabled communities of the 3rd millennium bc to take Britain from a developing to an recognized social system with more evidently defined regional identities. It was a period which saw the population grow, supported by improved and more intensive farming.
This in turn led to a developed landscape, which was serviced by a complex infrastructure of roads, paths, streams, rivers, farms and settlements.
Written by Mark Aronson, (National Geographic Children’s Books, 2010.) this thrilling archeology-in-progress book addresses one of the world’s most mystifying stone monuments — a site that has spawned many theories over the centuries on its origins, ranging from an early calendar, religious temple, and a sacrificial site.
Mark Aronson joins the Riverside Project research team on the Stonehenge dig and provides an educational firsthand account of the research that has transformed our understanding of this ancient stone circle.
The team looked for clues in the surrounding area and unearthed the biggest Neolithic village ever found in England.
The new theory is that Stonehenge was used “to usher, to welcome, the honoured dead into their enduring home,” while their living relatives lived nearby in wooden structures.
Aronson draws on the latest research to tell the story of the construction of Stonehenge between 3000 and 1500 BC. The building of the stones coincided with a time of slow but significant change in prehistoric Britain: populations were growing; farming was becoming more intensive; an infrastructure of roads, rivers and settlements was being developed.
Stonehenge was a source of permanence for the early Bronze Age ancestors in an age of cultural alteration.
Accessible and authoritative, this book offers a fascinating and revelatory account of the history and meaning of a sacred landscape. The pictures provided are top-notch. Despite being a children’s book, adults would find sustenance in it as well.
The thrill and power of learning is in the questions, much more than the answers. Marc Aronson (white) shows a unique grasp of this concept in his friendly and conversational narration of If Stones Could Speak. His purpose of engaging the curiosity of his readers and of respecting their own intellectualism and power is evident in his tone as well as the questions that he regularly includes. The loosely narrative structure of the text describes the rise of the Riverside Project, a team of archeologists working on a new theory for the purpose of Stonehenge--a theory that contradicted the accepted wisdom of long-accepted precedent. The story moves back and forth in time, illustrating each discovery of the new team as a revelation about ancient life and the people of Stonehenge. Intent on showing that even now everything has not "already been found," Aronson includes newer theories at the end of the text that compete with, challenge, or at least complicate the findings of the Riverside Project.
Without any hint of condescension, Aronson makes the subject of a millennia-old monument accessible. He repeatedly compares it to a basketball court being discovered in the distant future and the different interpretations people may assign to it. The pictures in the book also respect the reader. A mix of photographs and colorful, informative illustrations orient the reader in both the cultural and physical landscape explored. Pull-out boxes and extra captions give the reader the option to dive deeper into particular moments of the book that may be especially intriguing. Keeping the reader oriented and grounded is clearly a priority for Aronson, who consistently refers the reader back to the double spread "birds-eye view" map on pages 10 and 11. Just in case things start to feel dry, Aronson frequently breaks the fourth wall and addresses the reader directly in the form of "how would you" questions that subtly reinforce his theme of discovery as an open field--as ripe for the child as for the seasoned professional. A rich section of back-matter including terms, timelines, people, and reading recommendations provide ample opportunity for the budding archeologist whose curiosity has been ignited by the speaking stones to plunge headlong into the field. This text, perfect for an intermediate audience but highly attractive to older readers as well, is an excellent example of nonfiction that excites and inspires.
This book is about an archaeologist, Mike Parker Pearson, who changed the way scientists looked at Stonehenge. This book also speaks of Mike Parker Pearson who brought a colleague, Ramilisonina, who was an archeologist as well. Ramilisonina had theories as to how and why the stones at Stonehenge were put up and they book does a great job of explaining them in detail. The information in this book is very interesting and allowed me to learn many new things I did not know about Stonehenge before.
As a teacher, this book would be great to teach in class because the author challenges the reader to not just believe something because it is what has always been believed by others. I think that this is a very important idea to teach students. This book and topic of Stonehenge would be great when talking about diverse opinions and thinking differently. Students could form their own ideas of Stonehenge based off the book and evidence found in class to back up their view. This will allow students to see that it is okay to have a different opinion than others and also to respect other people that have different opinions. This book would also be great to teach in a history class when learning about prehistoric monuments.
"If Stones Could Speak: Unlocking the Secrets of Stonehenge" by Mar Aronson is a book that focuses on a character Mike who always dreamed to become an archaeologist because of human bones he once saw dug up. His friend Ramilisonina went with him to try and discover the mysteries on how Stonehenge was created. In this story they identify the rocks made from this place and tested Ramilisonina Theory to be true because of left over human activities that were left behind showing humans have lived there. From a teacher's point of view, I think that for the most part students would get overwhelmed with all of the little facts found in this book about Stonehenge. However, I want the students to really remember the theory of how humans were the ones who built this place because of the evidence Mike and Ramilisonina found. I will give my students paper, pencil, markers, and I will instruct them to draw their own personal Stonehenge's with one to five personal items they would want to have with them to help build or have with them. This way the idea of the theory and the theory being put to the test and identified helps students understand you can make hypothesis or theories and be able to prove them.
I always knew that Stonehenge was something of a mystery, but I never took the time to look into what all we truly don't know about it. I didn't realize that the biggest stones had to be moved EIGHTEEN miles! That's absolutely incredible! And the part on page 14 where they talk about it being connected by lintels and the crossing stones held in place by a mortise and tenon joint absolutely blew my mind. I'm amazed at how much archaeologists can find out just by studying rocks. This book would be fabulous for the classroom. There are tons of students who are crazy about history and mysteries. This book could go with the movie for students to come up with their own ideas of why and how they made it. This could also be a good compare and contrast lesson; "What were some similarities and differences in the theories the book mentions? Which do you believe personally? Why?" or "Did you find any key differences in the book and the movie? If so, explain your thinking. If not, what was your favorite theory and why?"
As a reader I will be the first to admit I struggle to enjoy nonfiction books but this book actually kept my interest throughout the story. This book shows and describes the findings on Stonehenge from a more recent dig/ excavation. The book did an excellent job explaining all the information in a way that was easy to understand. I also enjoyed all the pictures in the story of the excavations, the people, and the artifacts found. This book shows how the ideas of Stonehenge turned on their head when someone suggested a different possible purpose for Stonehenge.
As a teacher I believe this book is a good book to introduce nonfiction books to my future classes. This book along with others like it are a good gateway to get kids interested more in nonfiction books because of the pictures and the engaging writing.
Overall this book was fascinating and helped me learn a lot about Stonehenge.
If stones could speak is an interesting non-fiction book about Stonehenge. As a reader, I really enjoyed how the book tells a story of a group archaeologist and how they ask new questions and try to solve the mystery of why Stonehenge was built. I like how it shows us the photos the maps and the timelines that help make the story clear and exciting. It’s almost like I’m involved with the team that’s investigating. As a teacher, I think this book could be a great tool for the classroom. It could be used in reading, science, or social study lessons. This book helps students learn how to read a non-fiction text cause it has features like captions and diagrams, and it could also show how people use research in a team to investigate certain things. I could use this book to help students do their own research projects based on the style of investigation.
If Stones Could Speak is a nonfiction book that talks about how scientists learn about history by studying old things like stones and tools. It tells true stories about discoveries that help us understand how people lived a long time ago. I liked the pictures and how the book easily explained things. It made me curious about how small objects can tell big stories. As a future teacher, I would use this book with 4th or 5th graders when we learn about history and archaeology. It can help students think like scientists who study the past. I would have them find and describe objects, then imagine stories about those objects. This book is good for teaching how we use evidence to learn about history and science.
Genre: Nonfiction Awards: Orbis Pictus Honor Audience: 8-12 years old
A. The topic of this book is the Stonehenge, which includes information about the layout of the Stonehenge, archaeologists who investigated around the Stonehenge, and those archaeologists' experiences. B. The topic is presented in a child-friendly way through pictures, clear print font, labels, and captions that make information more understandable and accessible. C. The book contains text features, such as a table of contents, chapters, page numbers, pictures and illustrations, labels, captions, diagrams, text, epilogue, encyclopedia, chronology of project digs, list of project members, timeline, and suggestions for further reading. D. When discussing ancient civilizations with a third grade class, this book could be in a group read-aloud to model the use of text features and learn about how the Stonehenge was investigated.
Genre: non fiction Audience: 8-12 Awards: none A. The topic of this book is Stonehenge. More specfically it mainly targets the Riverside Project's archeological expedition to Stonehenge. B. The topic is presented in a child friendly way by incorporating color photos, graphics, maps and also the book does not include too much text on a page with out having a photograph. C. This book includes a contents page, maps, an epilogue, encyclopedia pages, time lines and offers a suggestion for further reading page. D. This book could be used with children if you want to use this as a paired text. I would pair this text when our science lesson starts to talk about rocks. I would use this to help gain their attention and interest on the matter! You could also use this book to help explain to students where rocks come from! In my opinion this book will be extremely helpful to split into sections and to use it in bits and pieces during science lessons.
More than ten years old now, so some of the research findings have undoubtedly changed. But that's the main virtue of this book: showing young readers that we need to question research and test it against what we already know even if the researcher is well known (like Richard Atkinson, who may have ignored or overlooked some evidence that contradicted his theories). Very engaging and beautifully illustrated.
Enjoyed how archaeology and history are presented. Questions should always be encouraged and that more can always be learned with new ideas and questions. Shows how having one person in charge of Stonehenge left an error in place because he didn't allow anybody to question him. Then when other cultures were allowed to give their input, discoveries multiplied. Different questions were leading to other discoveries as the book was being published.
It’s not the most Interesting book and you definitely don’t get interested as much you would if you were reading any other book. I would not recommend for people who are more into exciting and young adult sort of books.
⭐️⭐️ Read this in school…not entertaining at ALL. Snooze fest imo, but it is an informative book so I can’t be too mad about that. I definitely learned something from it though, and that is the only reason it got 2 and not 1.