Easter Island: Giant Stone Statues Tell of a Rich and Tragic Past

by Caroline Arnold

In about A.D. 400, a group of seafarers reached a small, isolated island in Polynesia and founded a new settlement. They developed a rich and complex culture that lasted more than a thousand years. The population eventually declined, and soon all that remained were a few inhabitants and hundreds of mysterious giant stone statues in varying stages of disrepair. Caroline Arnold explains how archeologists and other scientists and scholars have pieced together a history of Easter Island by studying its natural resources, listening to family stories and Polynesian legends, and examining the statues and other clues the people left behind. Photographs, taken by the author, provide a stunning visual accompaniment to this clear and concise account of one of the most remote--and fascinating--places on earth. GLOSSARY, BIBLIOGRAPHY, INDEX.

Genres: Geography, Nonfiction

48 pages, Hardcover

First published March 28, 2000

Reviews

[Angela Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish there were photos of the current populated areas... This book mostly contains photos of JUST the statues...

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stopped at the Children's library to get something else and sat here and read this

[Kadee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Straight and simple and I really learned a lot. I would love to see the giant stone statues in person one day, but that may not happen. But until then, I'll just enjoy the pictures.

[Thehiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction for children with excellent photographs.

[Jean-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this complement our middle age history lesson about the Pacific Ocean Islands. While some non-fiction texts can be long and dry, this read well and quickly. :-)

[Mel Raschke]

Excellent explanation of Easter Island.