Coulter, Laurie. Secrets in Stone: All About Maya Hieroglyphs. Black Walnut/Madison Press; Reprint edition (2010). ISBN-10: 189733057X

Plot Summary

It took many years for archeologists to unravel the secrets of Mayan writing, which are presented here in photographs and drawings. Follow these archaeologists and they show readers various aspects of everyday Mayan life, such as chocolate money, the calendar, and the number system. Crafts and activity ideas are provided at the bottom of several pages. And, the final pages are the “Glyphmaster”, which includes raised edge hieroglyphs that can be rubbed onto paper with a pencil to make your own message, or to write your name in real hieroglyphics.

This books is a 2003 Silver Birch Award nominee, a 2004 Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award nominee, and a Center for Children’s Books Best Books of 2001.

Critical Evaluation

This book reminds readers that the Mayans were an amazing civilization with over a hundred temple cities throughout Mexico. A fun aspect of this book is the “activities” section, which has ideas including how to write a secret Mayan code.

Reader's Annotation

Follow these archaeologists and they show readers various aspects of everyday Mayan life.

About the Author

Laurie Coulter is an author of children’s books. Her works include non-fiction such as Ballplayers and Bone Setters, Cowboys and Coffin Makers, Kings and Carpenters, and When John and Caroline Lived in the White House. Today, she lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband.

Genre

Nonfiction (ancient history)

Curriculum Ties

Language Arts, Social Studies

Booktalking Ideas

Mayan hieroglyphs are a mystery! Follow archaeologists as they work to unlock the secret codes written in stone. Read Laurie Coulter’s Secrets in Stone: All About Maya Hieroglyphs.

Reading Level/Interest Age

Ages 8-12

Reason for Book Selection

I love any books related to the study of ancient history!