Amazing Maya Inventions You Can Build Yourself  •  Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt EXPLORATION •  2007 •  PAPER  • 144 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) With 25 hands-on projects, kids will learn about the Maya civilization and its remarkable culture and innovations. Includes activities on maya hieroglyphs, numbering systems, and astronomy. (MYA52, $14.95)
Ancient Aztec & Mayan Civilizations, Cultural Atlas For Young People  •  Marion Wood HISTORY •  2007 •  HARD COVER  • 96 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A fact-filled look at the history, geography and society of two of the major cultures of pre-Columbian Central America. (CAM125, $35.00)
The Captive  •  Scott O'Dell LITERATURE •  1979 •  HARD COVER  • 244 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS The master of children's historical fiction spins a tale of greed and exploitation in the Spanish New World for young readers. As Maya villages throughout Central America submit to Spanish might, a young Jesuit missionary struggles with his own ambition -- and with his growing suspicion that he, too, is a willing oppressor. O'Dell exhibits a quiet rage at racial injustice, as well as his trademark unwillingness to coddle. The result is this tough, compelling young-adult book. (MYA27, $17.00)
The Corn Grows Ripe  •  Dorothy Rhoads  •  Jean Charlot LITERATURE •  1993 •  PAPER  • 88 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A coming-of-age tale set in modern-day Yucatan that draws on Myan lore and tradition. Tigre, a 12-year-old boy, must sow and harvest the crops to support his family and appease the gods after his father is injured. It's a chapter book with a glossary and beautiful black-and-white drawings by Jean Charlot. A Newbery Honor Book. (MYA35, $4.99)
Hands of the Maya, Villagers at Work and Play  •  Rachel Crandell CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  2002 •  HARD COVER  • 32 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) This short book introduces the modern Maya to very young readers through close-up photographs of Maya hands at work. The hands, like the people attached to them -- sort grain, weave, sow and carve. With a glossary and color photographs. Ages 4-8. (MYA34, $17.95)
Mystery of the Maya: Uncovering the Lost City of Palenque  •  Peter Laurie ARCHAEOLOGY •  2004 •  PAPER  • 48 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) One in a series of tales of ancient civilizations and modern archaeology by Peter Laurie for middle school readers. With color photographs of Palenque, the surrounding jungle habitat and modern-day Maya. (MYA41, $11.95)
Popol Vuh  •  Victor Montejo  •  Luis Garay  •  David Unger RELIGION •  1999 •  HARD COVER  • 85 PAGES • FAMILY A wonderful re-telling of this Maya sacred text, sensitively illustrated. Children will thrill to the tale of the fateful ball game between the underworld gods and the Hero Twins, and parents will appreciate the inclusion of some commentary on Spanish imperialism. Translated from the Spanish. (MYA28, $19.95)
Usborne Flashcard Spanish  •  Jo Litchfield LANGUAGE & PHRASEBOOKS •  2004 •  FLEXI-BOUND  • 50 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) A standard playing card-size deck of 50 nicely illustrated flashcards geared for younger children. Each card features a colorful illustration with the Spanish word on the reverse. Vocabulary includes numbers, colors, food, animals, and other basic vocabulary that will appeal to young children. (GEN203, $8.99)