The Earliest Americans

An informative study of prehistoric America discusses various theories about the origins of civilization in the Western hemisphere and examines some of the accomplishments of these early American peoples in terms of agriculture, government, and science.

Grade 5-9-- In a handsome companion volume to her Hominids (Lothrop, 1988), Sattler chronicles the arrival of humankind to North America. Drifting across the former land bridge between Siberia and Alaska, or following a now-drowned coast, hunting bands and family groups dispersed throughout the Americas, tolled by herds of game; flocks of migratory waterfowl; and bounty of fish, mollusks, and edible vegetation. The polished text follows this human flow, recording the adaptation of these ancient peoples to an enormous range of climatic and geographical diversity. Specific archaeological sites are examined, recording the development of agriculture and advanced technologies among some peoples, culminating in the flowering of strong nations and great empires. Other investigations determine the cultural growth of groups who clung to hunter/gatherer traditions. The author presents theories on migration patterns, dates, and technological developments, indicating whether they are widely accepted or hotly debated. This scholarly whole is accompanied by several maps, an index, and a time line of contemporary cultures and developments in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. There is also an extremely detailed 14-page bibliography listed chapter by chapter. Zallinger's strong, meticulous, sepia-tone artwork is informative as well as decorative, and are placed to complement the text. Large format, attractive illustrations, elegant type face on fine cream paper, and careful balance of text and illustration present The Earliest Americans as an inviting package that lives up to the expectations it engenders. --Patricia Manning, Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

In attractive large format, a clearly organized, readable introduction to the earliest humans to populate the Americas, arranged chronologically from their first appearance (at least 15,000 years ago) to the time of Columbus. Both text and illustrations are full of intriguing detail: Sattler clearly shows how current archeological discoveries lead scientists to draw conclusions about the lives and astounding accomplishments of the various peoples; Zallinger's meticulous brown-toned drawings feature maps, artifacts, and children and adults in daily activities. Both text and illustrations have been checked for accuracy by experts, though one might quibble over the incomplete description of the Mayan mathematical system. Pronunciation guides and definitions are frequently provided in the text (there's no glossary). A time chart provides fascinating comparisons with peoples in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Lengthy chapter-by-chapter bibliography, including many recent items from adult periodicals; index. (Nonfiction. 10+) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.