Dinosaur Hunter: An Exciting Adventure About Bone Hunters and Fossil Discovery in the Old West for Kids (Ages 4-8)

I Can Read: Level 4

by Elaine Marie Alphin, Don Bolognese (Illustrator)

In 1880s Wyoming, Ned Chapman dreams of finding a dinosaur skeleton. When he discovers some old bones on his father's ranch, Ned is thrust into the world of bone hunters -- men so competitive that they will do anything to bring back the best fossils!

Genres: Childrens, Historical Fiction, Picture Books, Dinosaurs, Fiction

48 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

About the author

I was born on 30 October 1955 in San Francisco, California, and attended Lafayette Elementary School in San Francisco. Then my family moved to New York City, where I attended William H. Carr Junior High School. This is a school picture of me from my junior high school days. After that we moved to Houston, and I went to Westchester High School and on to Rice University.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 6 year old nephew ripped through this book. I just read it and also enjoyed it. It turns out we both like historical fiction. He loves Dinosaurs a LOT so this brings both loves together.

[Kari Riles-Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a lengthy book that challenged my reading capability. I don’t like dinosaurs that much but the dinosaur hunters was very interesting. At first, I thought George was the bad guy, and wanted to steal the bones from Ned. But, Mr. Reed was the spy, and tried to steal the bones from Ned. Ned was smart enough to not take him to the triceratops bones, instead he took him to the cattle bones that was worth zilch. In conclusion, George and his father took the Triceratops bones and placed them in a museum. I am happy that George got recognition for his findings.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

rating: 3.5

My nephew, 4.5 years old, likes books about 'real things,' not just 'made-up stories.' He likes rocks and he lives in Montana, so I'm betting he'll enjoy this story ... now I must decide when to share it with him.

[Shari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for state study on Wyoming. Short historical fiction chapter book on dinosaur fossils found in Wyoming during 1880s.

[Michelle Farella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story! Would probably be better as a recommendation for kids interested in dinosaurs than as an early reader.

[Sarang Ranade · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was kind of sussy but cool . George was a little sussy

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dinosaur Hunter is a story about a boy in the 1880's in Wyoming. During the book, the boy is able to fulfill his dream of finding a dinosaur skeleton while he is digging on his father's ranch. During the book he encounters a man who tries to scam him for his find, but makes the decision to give his find to a team of fossil experts.

This book would be interesting for a young child who is learning about dinosaurs and the idea of archaeology. While studying fossils, students often stumble upon the idea of finding fossils and bones in the ground and within rocks. This book introduces the idea of fossils and archaeological digs while still appeals to a young child's interest in dinosaurs.

Books that connect to the text: Archaeologists Dig for Clues by Kate Duke and How the Sphynix got to the Museum by Jessie Hartland

[Bailee Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would be a good book to start a child out on that is wanting to read longer books. It is not too developed to discourage a student from branching out, yet it allows them to grow because of the "chapters" it provides. I could use this book in reading groups with students that are reading to begin transitioning to longer books. It would also be a good addition to the classroom library for a student to pick out and give a try if they feel ready.

[Jonny · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is nice for third-graders who are struggling. But it really only works for this purpose. I don't believe that third-graders can truly get absorbed in this particular text. However, if your third-grader is having difficulty with books like "Tornado" and "The Stories Julian Tells" (which I have also reviewed), this is an O.K. start.

[Kelly]

Based on real history, this book tells about how dinosaur hunting was tricky business and competitive.

[Hayley]

Taught as part of a reading program

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

MCL. I liked it because we learned some things.

My mom liked the illustrations.

[Kate Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

RL 470