Mummies, Dinosaurs, Moon Rocks: How We Know how Old Things are

Name: Mummies, Dinosaurs, Moon Rocks: How We Know how Old Things are
ISBN: 9780689318481

by James Jespersen, Jane Fitz-Randolph

For the curious child who wonders how scientists figure out the age of ancient artifacts, this book unravels the fascinating methods behind dating mummies, dinosaurs, and even moon rocks.

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About This Book

A parent should reach for this book when their child asks a big, scientific 'how do they know?' question after a trip to the museum or watching a documentary. 'Mummies, Dinosaurs, Moon Rocks' demystifies the science of dating ancient objects. It clearly explains complex methods like carbon dating and dendrochronology (tree ring dating) using fascinating, concrete examples. The book fuels curiosity and wonder, empowering kids with real scientific knowledge and respecting their ability to handle complex ideas. It's perfect for a curious middle grader who is ready to move beyond basic facts and understand the process of discovery itself.

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What Parents Should Know

Character DeathMild

Discusses mummies and fossils in a purely scientific and historical context. No personal grief.

Sensitive Topics

The book discusses mummies and fossils, which are the remains of deceased organisms. The approach is entirely scientific, secular, and historical. Death is presented as a biological fact necessary for the study of the past, not as an emotional or personal event. The focus remains on the information we can gather from these remains.

Ideal Reader

A 10 to 13-year-old who is a nonfiction enthusiast, loves museums, and is starting to find simpler kids' science books unsatisfying. They are ready for more technical vocabulary and complex, multi-step explanations. This child asks 'how' and 'why' and is genuinely interested in the process, not just the result.