Secrets of the Dead: Mummies and Other Human Remains from Around the World: Mummies and Other Human Remains from Around the World (British Museum, 3)

When kids hear the word “mummy,” their interest is invariably piqued. This wonderful book will take young readers on a trip back through time and all around the world, introducing them to many of the ways ancient cultures in Africa, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia honored and preserved their dead. It gives overviews of the process of mummification and discusses some well-known and not-so-well-known mummies, including animal mummies.

The thorough and extensive research by author Matt Ralphs shines through on every page. His writing is accessible and conversational, and he never talks down to his young audience. Though some vocabulary will be challenging for middle-graders, it is always appropriate for the subject matter. A good glossary in the back will help young readers increase their mastery of the language.

Beautiful illustrations by Gordy Wright may fool the eye at first as many are so detailed they look almost photographic. He has clearly done a good deal of deep research as well to be able to create such fine illustrations. This is a book that youngsters interested in archaeology and ancient cultures will want to read over and over. Don’t miss it.