"Sometimes, the information age can feel more like the age of misinformation. Daily, we are bombarded by exaggeration and fabrication. The internet stretches the truth. Social media breeds fake news... Our lives have become a haven for hoaxes, schemes, scams and swindles."
But could one of the most intriguing mysteries begun in 1924, long before the invention of the internet, or, indeed, the widespread accessibility to modern mass communication? Could the late 19th-century discovery of a number of skulls carved from crystal and their appearance in museums around the world be linked to ancient, unknown civilisations of Mesoamerica, perhaps even the mysterious sunken city of Atlantis? Are they part of an ancient prophecy about 13 crystal skulls dispersed around the world, which, "at a pivotal time in humanity's history" will come together to reveal the ultimate truth, vital to the survival of humanity? Or are they part of "an intricate yarn started by a real-life Indiana Jones"?
Once again, history hunter Mark Greenwood has brought to life an enigmatic story to fascinate young, independent readers that will raise more questions than it answers. Made by no known human process, the crystal skulls have defied investigations to determine who made them, when they were made, and what tools were used, perplexing archaeologists, anthropologists, spiritualists and other experts alike. Delving deep into the stories and legends surrounding the skulls, their origins, their discoveries, their symbolism, their forensics and the science, Greenwood takes the reader on an absorbing journey to discover the truth that has inspired movies like Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, among others, as well as books, television series and computer games as the allure of their historical significance and their supernatural powers continue to attract speculation.
Teaching notes, primarily for those in Years 4-7, not only encourage the reader to delve deeper into the book and its revelations catering for those with different interests including art, science and writing, but also open up the wider worlds of ancient civilisations, myths and legends, other mysteries that have baffled generations, and even investigating and learning to detect fake news - a critical information literacy skill. Just as importantly, his research and writing model the depth some investigations take to uncover the truth, the need to keep an open mind and be objective while uncovering motives, agendas and biases, and the ability to record and report more than one perspective or 'answer'. His approach reminds me of a webquest - an early technique used to teach students to use the internet - where students assumed a different persona related to how a topic was perceived, researched it through that lens and then presented their case to an independent jury of their peers. The mystery of the crystal skulls would lend itself to this very well for there are as many videos, stories and images about them available there are theories.
In the meantime, put Mark Greenwood's name on a story and I'm there because I know it will be well-written, thoroughly researched and totally absorbing. Being part of the NSW Premier's Reading Challenge booklist for Yrs 5-6 gives it even more appeal. ---from the publisher
112 pages 9781760996550 Ages 7-10
Keywords: narrative non-fiction, mystery, archaeology, prophecy, legends, science, 7 year old, 8 year old, 9 year old, 10 year old, part of a series
Recommended by: Barbara Braxton, Teacher Librarian, New South Wales AUSTRALIA
See more of her recommendations:
500 Hats http://500hats.edublogs.org/
The Bottom Shelf http://thebottomshelf.edublogs.org/
