reviewed

Sally M. Walker presents an exciting and informative look at forensics, archeology and anthropology in this fantastic non-fiction book. She works hard to give detailed scientific information at a level not above or below the heads of the average teenager.

Each step of the process includes historical atmosphere, maps, photos and descriptions. Her focus on the mysterious aspects of parts of the excavation (a possible murder, bodies buried together, etc.) grabbed my attention and held it.

Every chapter is like a separate vignette (or, if you are me, a new episode of Law and Order, Colonial Times). One is about a boy they found and how they tried to determine cause of death, his birth origin and more. Another chapter is titled “The Captain,” the name they gave to another body after an x-ray revealed an object associated with high ranking military of the time. Still another is “The Body in the Basement.”

Throughout the book teens will learn about the complex processes of excavating a site of historical importance. The care taken by scientists, forensic experts, archaeologists and others is highlighted and combined with a fun sense of mystery and intrigue (and some amazing photos!). I would recommend this to all teens. ( )

Crazy interesting what we can learn from people who have been dead for 400 years. ( )

Just as forensic science can help solve crimes, it can also help us to understand our past. is is a look at how scientists used modern techniques to unlock the clues of the past in Jamestown, Virginia, and in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay area

I picked up my copy of Written in Bone at the Smithsonian museum in D.C. several years ago. It coincided with an exhibit they were displaying of several of the skeletons mentioned in the book. Though the book may be geared towards older children, it still has quite a bit of information and a wide enough appeal to be a great read for adults. ( )