Happenstance redefines history as ordinary people unearth extraordinary finds in Sarah Albee's humorous and revealing survey of 18 impressive artifacts, Accidental Archeologists: True Stories of Unexpected Discoveries.
Albee (Why'd They Wear That?) contextualizes items by giving the year of each find and the piece's location, as well as a brief history of the culture that left the artifact behind and its historical significance. The author traces remarkable discoveries reaching back to 1709 and forward to one mystery still waiting to be unearthed, striking a delicate balance of droll humor and circumspection. Albee is careful to advise readers to remain aware of cultural biases, as when she cautions that the past will not change but "archaeologists and historians continually reinterpret and reframe their perspectives on human history."
Inquisitive middle-grade readers should connect with Albee's stories of people going about their everyday lives before making monumental discoveries. Some artifacts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls or terracotta warriors, may be familiar to readers, while other findings (some obscure or macabre) will be brand new. Even saucy footnotes hold interest in quick chapters that bounce between continents with each discovery. Well-selected images and Nathan Hackett's black-and-white illustrations add both visual appeal and supportive background information.
Albee's engaging writing enhances archeology's attraction and approachability for her audience; abundant backmatter includes credit to a slew of librarians and researchers as well as a quick primer encouraging budding archeologists to research responsibly. With lingering questions prompting young readers to seek discoveries of their own, Albee's work celebrates curiosity and ethical consideration around STEM subjects--packaged in a way kids are sure to totally dig. --Kit Ballenger, youth librarian, Help Your Shelf