The Earliest Americans

The experienced collaborators responsible for such popular and useful works as Baby Dinosaurs and Sharks have produced a fascinating chronological survey of the many civilizations that flourished in the Americas from 22,000 to 500 years ago, or before European contact. With her customary care, Sattler clearly sets out several of the most established theories about who the earliest Americans were, where they came from and when they arrived. She explains how anthropologists and archeologists gather information from fossils and other remains, and she contrasts various aspects of diverse ancient American civilizations with those of Europe, Asia and Africa, discussing, for example, shelter, agriculture, customs and technology. The late Sattler's writing, while reliable and well sourced, may be a bit more dry here than in her previous works; however, Zallinger's highly detailed pencil drawings, maps and charts consistently amplify the text. Those looking for information on civilizations generally not well represented in children's nonfiction will find this involving, and even adults will appreciate its chronological charts, extensive bibliography and comprehensive index. Ages 9-up. (Apr.)