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42 pages 1 hour read

Sally Walker

Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland

Nonfiction | Book | Middle Grade | Published in 2009

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Written in Bone by Sally M. Walker explores case studies of archaeological finds in Jamestown and Colonial Maryland through the lens of forensic anthropology. The book delves into the lives of European settlers, using scientific techniques to uncover historical details. It discusses various individual remains, providing a comprehensive look at the harsh realities of colonial life while highlighting the role of science in historical discovery. The book discusses racism and enslavement.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Reviews of Written in Bone by Sally Walker commend its engaging narrative and meticulous research, making complex forensic science accessible and intriguing. However, some critics note a slow pace and dense details that might challenge younger readers. Overall, it is praised for merging history and science effectively, appealing to both educational and general audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Written in Bone?

Readers fascinated by forensic science, history, and anthropology will enjoy Written in Bone by Sally Walker. Ideal for fans of Stiff by Mary Roach and The Bone Garden by William P. Wood, this book offers a gripping, detailed exploration of America’s skeletal remains and the stories they tell.

Book Details
Pages

144

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Colonial America • 1600s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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