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Figuring Out Fossils


by Sally M. Walker

Price at time of review: $27.93
40 pp.
Lerner Publications Co.
Minneapolis, MN
2013
ISBN: 9781467700191

Grade Level: 3-5
Reviewed by Shannon Cde Baca
Lead Teacher/science

This book is one in a series of five on Earth science topics and covers this topic well for this age group. The first chapter answers the question: "What is a fossil?" From there the text addresses fossil formation, fossil molds, and then finding fossils.

This is the only book in this series that includes a bit about careers. The work of a paleontologist is used to explain why we study fossils. This chapter is well–written and presents strong evidence for the study of fossils. However, the photos are good but not as well tied to the text as they might be. Still, there is a photo on each page that is captioned. Likewise the format of each page is well–presented and does not overwhelm the reader with too much information.

For any student who is fascinated by fossils, this book may be too light a treatment of the topic. This is a good introduction to the concept and an exceptional book to explain why the study of fossils is important in science.

Review posted on 11/28/2012

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