real

Great book for small children or middle school age. Has a lot of pictures from Pompeii.

3Q 3P M/J

The pictures are the best feature of this book. This book will probably appeal to any teen that is interested in the ruins of Pompeii and how they were preserved after so many years. The book makes some attempt at describing life in Ancient Pompeii but the book mainly focuses on how the bodies were preserved and how Pompeii is now.

I was captivated by this story. I had heard about the eruption of Pompeii, but until I read this book I didn't even know where Pompeii was located. It was great to get thoroughly informed on a missing piece of history in such a short time. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books on the subject.

This book is a fifty page chapter book that synthesizes a variety of sources to tell the story of the events of Ancient Pompeii when Mount. Vesuvius erupted. On August 24th and 25th AD 79, after many days of earthquakes and rumbling, Mount Vesuvius erupted. Deem tells the reader the people of Pompeii’s reaction to the eruption, how some decided to flea while others decided to stay. Since it is unknown what happened to those who did escape Pompeii, Deem focuses on telling the readers about the final days of the people that stayed in Pompeii, the stages of the eruption, the way the ash and the pyroclastic surge formed plaster around the bodies. Deem explains how historians have pieced together the history of Pompeii with the few belongs that made it through the eruption and that was not stolen when Pompeii was first rediscovered. He tells the reader that many people visit Pompeii for now, until Mount Vesuvius is active again. I chose to read this book because the events of Pompeii and the way the bodies were preserved has interested me. I think this was a really great book, however, it do not think it was outstanding and I probably would not read it again.

A short but engaging and informative read. The timeline of the erruption of Mt. Vesuvius is probably the most well presented from almost everything else I've read.

Childrens book about Pompeii -- great pictures

Books intended for children and young teens are the best way to approach something new through reading. Clear, concise, with engaging photos and sidebars, this book is a prime example of how to write about a complex subject for beginning learners. I loved every page!

A brief overview of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius & the excavation of Pompeii with fascinating photos. Know your audience, though - some kids may find them upsetting.

BODIES FROM THE ASH: Life and Death in Ancient Pompeii.

Book Review by: Sharon Powers

The book I have for you today, is a fascinating hardcover book, Bodies From the Ash: Life and Death in Ancient Pompeii. The book gives detailed information about the lives of Pompeii's citizens, the chronology of the eruption of Vesuvius, and striking analysis of events as they likely took place. As James M. Deem chronicles the fact-driven book, he utilizes photographs of architecture, art, and plaster (molds of) bodies fallen in the ruins.

Deem relates things that archaeologists have learned through examining the site and shows just how endangered Pompeii is to both the ravages of the elements and to the potential threat of another eruption of Vesuvius. Breem explains that Vesuvius is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world since over one million people live in its shadow.

I found many of the photographs very moving. The reader observes--in the mold of the plaster cast of the person's body--the very last moments of that person's life. We see how each person faced death. Then, seeing the architecture and streets where people lived and walked and worked everyday, just made their poignant lives real to me.

I really, really liked this book. That is why I selected it for you. If you only have time for one book about Pompeii, this is it. It is very informative, poignant, and everything is beautifully presented.

I rate this book 4.5 stars out of 5 (and round up--it was that good).

In the year 79, the powerful volcano Vesuvius erupted covering the ancient town of Pompeii with ashes, pumice, intense heat and debris, burying the people and buildings for hundreds of years. Full of captioned photographs, maps, and timelines, the story of the eruption is recounted, as well as the probable stories of some of the victims. Deem does a great job identifying fact and conjecture - and showing how the scientists support their guesses. I thought I knew all about Pompeii - this great resource taught me even more. A bibliography and index make this a great classroom resource.

Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT!

Fascinating book for Junior readers. Informative and descriptive with clear photos.