42 pages • 1 hour read
Sally WalkerWritten in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland
Nonfiction | Book | Middle Grade | Published in 2009A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Written in Bone by Sally M. Walker explores case studies of archaeological finds in Jamestown and Colonial Maryland through the lens of forensic anthropology. The book delves into the lives of European settlers, using scientific techniques to uncover historical details. It discusses various individual remains, providing a comprehensive look at the harsh realities of colonial life while highlighting the role of science in historical discovery. The book discusses racism and enslavement.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Reviews of Written in Bone by Sally Walker commend its engaging narrative and meticulous research, making complex forensic science accessible and intriguing. However, some critics note a slow pace and dense details that might challenge younger readers. Overall, it is praised for merging history and science effectively, appealing to both educational and general audiences.
Who Should Read Written in Bone?
Readers fascinated by forensic science, history, and anthropology will enjoy Written in Bone by Sally Walker. Ideal for fans of Stiff by Mary Roach and The Bone Garden by William P. Wood, this book offers a gripping, detailed exploration of America’s skeletal remains and the stories they tell.