Parents' Guide to Dig It! Archaeology for Kids

cover shows  photo of the ruins of Machu Pichu in Peru.

Common Sense Media Review

Regan McMahon By Regan McMahon , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 10+

Exciting, comprehensive intro to what archaeologists do.

Parents Need to Know

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Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

DIG IT! ARCHEOLOGY FOR KIDS is a kid-friendly guide to the science of archaeology, the work that archeologists do, and the variety of careers that exist in that field. Every page is fact-filled, with short text blocks and clear photos taken on location around the world and in museums. The book explains the basics of archaeological techniques and methods, gives examples of sites archaeologists have discovered and explored around the world (Stonehenge, Machu Picchu, Pompeii, King Tut's tomb, to name a few), and shows what various careers in archaeology are like. It also shows how kids can get involved in archaeology.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
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Kids say : Not yet rated

This extensive, super-informative guide explains what archeology is and offers scads of photos showing discoveries of Egyptian mummies, Roman ruins, Cambodian stone carvings, and much more. Dig It! Archaeology for Kids uses short text blocks to help readers navigate the science and historical facts and break down archaeologists' methodology so that kids can grasp the steps they take to learn about ancient peoples and their cultures.

With all the eye-popping photos, dynamic graphics, and provocative questions ("What do the animal carvings mean?" "Do all artifacts on display at museums belong there?") on the busy pages, some kids might be overwhelmed. But the book doesn't have to be read in one sitting. Kids can explore at their own pace, or with an adult reader who will find lots to learn as well. There's also bonus video content readers can access via QR codes on various pages, and a section of additional resources and activities at the back that includes instructions on how to make your own time capsule. This is a stunning, thorough, enticing, and engaging interactive package.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Dig It! Archaeology for Kids explains this scientific field. Why does the author call archaeologists "detectives of the past"?

  • After seeing the different kinds of work archaeologists do, do you think you might like to consider archaeology as a career? Is there a country where you'd like to go on a dig?

  • If you could live in any other age and place, where would it be? Have you seen artifacts from that place in person or in a museum?

Book Details

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cover shows  photo of the ruins of Machu Pichu in Peru.

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