Discovering the Iceman: What Was It Like to Find a 5,300-Year-Old Mummy?

Ray Doiron is an assistant professor in the Faculty of Education at the
University of Prince Edward Island.

Since the 1991 discovery in the Alps of the 5300-year-old mummy frozen
in the ice, adults and children around the world have been fascinated by
this amazing mystery. Who was this man and how did he come to be frozen
to death in such a remote part of the world? Shelley Tanaka and Laurie
McGaw present young readers with a very interesting and informative
description of how the mummy was found, how the body could be so well
preserved for so long, and how scientists studied the remains. The text
is enhanced by dozens of full-color photographs, paintings, diagrams,
timelines, and informative sidebars. Part 1 chronicles the discovery of
the mummy and the subsequent early work completed by scientists. Part 2,
a fictionalized telling of “How It Might Have Been,” shows readers
what life might have been like for the iceman and how he might have
spent his final days. Part 3 provides a more factual discussion of the
work that lies ahead for scientists and the significance of this
archeological find.

As fascinating as it is informative, this book will appeal to children
of many ages. Highly recommended.