Learn About: Pyramids

Learn About Pyramids lets you step inside these structures and unlock all sorts of fascinating secrets about these extraordinary tombs and the lives of the people who made them. Take a journey from the fertile River Nile in Egypt to the floating island of Tenochtitlan in Mexico to discover just how many different types of pyramids there have been over the centuries. Learn about pyramid wonders of the modern world, find out which pyramid shapes occur in nature and explore how pyramid shapes have all kinds of unique properties and uses.

Grade 5-8 A description of the leading theories about the development, construction techniques employed, and assorted uses of Egyptian pyramids. The bulk of the text is made up of quotations from well-known researchers and Egyptologists, and sidebars featuring specific theories and evidence. The better part of two chapters puts forth some popular ideas about pyramidology, "pyramid power," and the possible alien origin of the structures, along with some of the evidence against such ideas. The index is finely detailed, and halftones and simple diagrams clarify textual descriptions. Lacking the large, colorful illustrations of Anne Millard's Pyramids (Kingfisher, 1996) and of Elizabeth Mann's The Great Pyramid (Mikaya, 1996), this title has less visual appeal than those volumes. Yet its information is sound, diverse, and well presented. In a class by itself is John D. Clare's Pyramids of Ancient Egypt (Harcourt, 1992). It uses large color photographs of costumed actors in realistic settings to make the daily lives of the pyramid builders vividly clear. Kallen's work is a good choice for students who seek a volume that does not have the appearance of a picture book. -Ann G. Brouse, Steele Memorial Library, Elmira, NY
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