You wouldn't want....

You wouldn’t want to be an Inca mummy
Written by: Colin Hynson
Illustrated by: David Antram

IL: Grades 4-7
RL: 5+
  










This series has 20+ titles and the format is especially appealing to the age group for whom they are written. They are factually correct and contain all the gory bits and details, accompanied by comical drawings that they really speak to their audience. 

These books are published by the Salariya Publishing Company, a company that seems to have figured out what they do well and continue to do it.

This particular volume appealed to me because it seems that there isn’t a lot of browsing/ quick read type material on the Ancient Incas,  which in California must be taught according to the State Standards. This would make a good addition to any middle school library or 7th grade classroom.

While reading ...Inca mummy I found myself learning things about the Inca Empire that I was clueless of. For instance, did you know that once the dead Sapa Inca (which means “only emperor”) dies all but his eldest son (the new Sapa Inca) had to parade the mummified body through all the empire for a year followed by mourners?

Each chapter is only 2 pages and contains a lot of illustrations, making them very accessible to all readers. The “Handy Hints” contained in each chapter alternate between hilarious, gruesome and just plain “eeew!” Even better, each contains a glossary and an index, which are sometimes missing in funner type non-fiction. 

Pick one up. I bet you’ll find yourself laughing, learning, groaning, and maybe even feeling squeamish all in one short read.

Hynson, Colin. (2008). You wouldn't want to be an Inca mummy. New York, NY: Franklin Watts.