The Ancient Maya

An "expert" read for those with extensive background knowledge of the Mayans.

This fascinating book is part of the People of the Ancient World Series. The author does an amazing job of teaching the reader what it was like to be farmer or soldier in ancient times. Who were the people of the ancient world? Each chapter focuses on a different part of society, such as peasants, scholars/scribes, priests, soldiers, rulers, and more. The ancient Maya built many impressive cities, such as Copan, and farmed the land, growing corn and other crops. Unfortunately, this advanced ancient culture collapsed when Spanish conquistadors overtook the Maya in the 1500s.

Perl, Lila. The Ancient Maya. Canada: Scholastic Books, 2005. Print.

Ancient Americans: The Aztecs

Please enjoy this ten minute video from How Stuff Works.com

Ancient Americans: The Aztecs. http://videos.howstuffworks.com/hsw/5724-ancient-americans-the-aztecs-video.htm

A Gift for Ampato

An "average" read for those with some knowledge of Incan civilization.

In, 1995, a 500-year-old mummy of an Inca girl was discovered on a Peruvian mountaintop. Anthropologists believe she may have been sacrificed to the Andean gods. A Gift for Ampato is the fictional story of the days leading up to her death.

According to Incan culture, during times of great stress, such as crop failures, young women were chosen to become human sacrifices atop Mt. Ampato. It was considered a great honor to be selected. This brief but emotional story is about Timta, a girl chosen to leave her family and become one of those servants of the gods. Follow her as she learns what her fate is to be and rebels against her culture.

Vande Griek, Susan. A Gift for Ampato. Toronto, Canada: Groundwood Books, 1995. Print.

The Well Of Sacrifice

An "average" read for those with some knowledge of Mayan culture.

This is a graphic account of an 11-year old Mayan girl named Eveningstar Macaw. After the death of the king, the chief priest takes command and starts throwing innocent people into the well of sacrifice in honor of the gods. Eveningstar begins to doubt his motives and looks into the situation. In the end she must fight for what she believes in, deny the doings of the priest, risk her family's lives, and face the well of sacrifice.

Eboch, Chris. The Well of Sacrifice. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1999. Print.

The Corn Grows Ripe

An "easy" read~with little background knowledge needed.

This Newbery Honor Book tells the story of a young Mayan boy growing up in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. Twelve-year old Tigre must take over the family responsibilities when his father is injured. He takes his father's place clearing and planting the family's small milpa (corn field). Through the story the reader learns about the cultural traditions of a Mayan family and the extreme importance of corn and weather in their lives. Illustrated in the style of ancient Mayan paintings, the story is rich in Mayan language and culture.

Rhoads, Dorothy. The Corn Grows Ripe. New York: Puffin Books, 1993. Print.