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Reading the Bones: Homo Naledi and the Mysteries of Human Evolution
Not yet published
Expected 4 Aug 26High-stakes adventure meets cutting-edge science in this true account of the groundbreaking discovery of Homo naledi, which shocked the world of evolutionary science and redefined what it means to be human—for readers ages 10+.
In 2013, deep in a cave in South Africa, a team of intrepid researchers from across the globe discovered a previously unknown human ancestor who is changing how we see our past—and present. Later named Homo naledi, what remained of this 300,000-year-old species was only accessible through a harrowing labyrinth of razor-thin crevices, some as narrow as 7 inches. Once in the main Dinaledi chamber (translated as “chamber of stars” in the local Sesotho language), researchers found hundreds of bones and a mystery like no other. This unprecedented discovery would not only offer insight into the lives of these astonishing beings—and by extension our own origins—it would also catapult the expedition into international news and the scientific spotlight.
Written by Robert F. Sibert Medalist Marc Aronson and a nationally recognized educator, John S. Mead—both of whom have been intimately involved with the Homo naledi story from the start—this fast-paced and fascinating nonfiction book for young readers reminds us that our evolution is an ongoing exploration, full of boundless opportunity for new discoveries, new questions, and new ideas. Chamber of Homo naledi and the Mystery of Human Evolution is the perfect book to inspire today’s curious kids to become tomorrow’s daring anthropological adventurers.
In 2013, deep in a cave in South Africa, a team of intrepid researchers from across the globe discovered a previously unknown human ancestor who is changing how we see our past—and present. Later named Homo naledi, what remained of this 300,000-year-old species was only accessible through a harrowing labyrinth of razor-thin crevices, some as narrow as 7 inches. Once in the main Dinaledi chamber (translated as “chamber of stars” in the local Sesotho language), researchers found hundreds of bones and a mystery like no other. This unprecedented discovery would not only offer insight into the lives of these astonishing beings—and by extension our own origins—it would also catapult the expedition into international news and the scientific spotlight.
Written by Robert F. Sibert Medalist Marc Aronson and a nationally recognized educator, John S. Mead—both of whom have been intimately involved with the Homo naledi story from the start—this fast-paced and fascinating nonfiction book for young readers reminds us that our evolution is an ongoing exploration, full of boundless opportunity for new discoveries, new questions, and new ideas. Chamber of Homo naledi and the Mystery of Human Evolution is the perfect book to inspire today’s curious kids to become tomorrow’s daring anthropological adventurers.
192 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 4, 2026
10 people want to read
About the author
Marc Aronson
55 books84 followersAronson has won many awards for his books for young readers and has a doctorate in American history. His lectures cover educational topics such as mysteries and controversies in American history, teenagers and their reading, the literary passions of boys, and always leave audiences asking for more.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/marcar...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/marcar...
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My first impression of this book is how smoothly it reads. It’s a page turner and very engaging and intelligent. Aimed at youth readers, I’d estimate that it would be appropriate for advanced sixth graders to ninth graders in interest and reading level, but it’s equally interesting for an adult who is a layman in regards to anthropology. The book explains the discovery and recovery of *H. naledi*, a new species of humanoid fossils, found in South Africa. One of the remarkable things about this dig is that the recovery team was exclusively female. Many of the discoveries were shared in real time on social media and the internet, which made this a truly modern excavation. The book gave a brief overview of the different fossils found over the years that relate to anthropology. I enjoyed reading this book and found the story fascinating.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy!
A rather dry retelling of the discovery of Homo naledi, an early non-human species of early hominin who maybe practiced burial rituals before humans or Neanderthals. Its an interesting subject, but it could have been formatted and presented better. As is, its when someone does a so-so job telling an exciting story and ends with a "you had to be there!"
A rather dry retelling of the discovery of Homo naledi, an early non-human species of early hominin who maybe practiced burial rituals before humans or Neanderthals. Its an interesting subject, but it could have been formatted and presented better. As is, its when someone does a so-so job telling an exciting story and ends with a "you had to be there!"
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews