School Library Journal Review
Gr 4 UpThis book reveals that there are many different kinds of pyramidseven within Egyptbuilt at different times by different civilizations. It includes one of the best descriptions of how the Egyptian pyramids were actually made, from the cutting of the gargantuan stone blocks to the maneuvering involved to lodge them in their resting spots. Millard provides detailed information about the Egyptians' technologies as well as their religion and lifestyle. She includes a fictionalized account of a worker to emphasize the human aspect of erecting such monolithic structures. There's also lots of information about American pyramids, though less on those in North America than those in South and Central America. The Maya pyramids, the floating capital city of the Aztecs, and the building styles of the Incas and the Moche are all covered. Modern structures are touched upon, too, such as the Louvre expansion and the Transamerica pyramid in San Francisco. By combining well-captioned, clear, full-color illustrations and an engrossing narrative, this book teaches in the best wayby showing and explaining. Though your library may have many titles on the subject, this one covers areas they don't in a way that both browsers and researchers will gobble up.Cathryn A. Camper, Minneapolis Public Library (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
An overview of pyramids focuses mainly on the Egyptian structures and furnishes basic information on how they were constructed and their religious and social significance. One section is devoted to the pyramids in North and South America. The oversized format, clear color illustrations, and easy-to-read text make the book accessible. Glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Gr. 4^-6. Millard's examination of pyramids is sure to be popular: the nicely designed, oversize format; attractive, full-color illustrations; and concise, clearly written text are very appealing. Millard's own interest in Egypt is evident, as more than half the book is devoted to Egyptian pyramids from all three kingdoms. She provides a wealth of information on their design, construction, and purpose, as well as on ancient funerary practices and the workers' roles. Far less detailed information is supplied for pyramids in the Americas, and a single double-page spread covers pyramids in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Although unfamiliar terms are defined in the text, an illustrated glossary provides additional information. --Chris Sherman
