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)
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)
Jungle (Eyewitness Books)  •  Theresa Greenaway  •  Geoff Dann NATURAL HISTORY •  2004 •  HARD COVER  • 63 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Certainly the most eye-popping of the children's books on the rain forest, this book, jammed with color photographs, covers all manner of rain forest life. The concise text augments the pictures. Geared for children ages 9-12. (FST06, $15.99)
The Most Beautiful Roof in the World, Exploring the Rainforest Canopy  •  Kathryn Lasky  •  Christopher Knight NATURAL HISTORY •  1997 •  PAPER  • 48 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A tour of the rain forest canopy for children, illustrated with color photographs. The book follows a tropical botanist and her sons as she explores a rain forest in Belize, but it is appropriate for a trip to any Central American rain forest. For children ages 9 -12, who will especially like the ropes and other rigging used to climb in the rain forest canopy. (FST04, $9.00)
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)
Tikal, The Center of the Maya World  •  Elizabeth Mann ARCHAEOLOGY •  2002 •  HARD COVER  • 48 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A survey of the art, archaeology and civilization of Tikal and the Maya for middle schoolers. With an engrossing text, captivating full and double-page illustrations, and color photographs. The reconstruction of the city at its heyday is especially evocative. Geared for ages 9-12, this book is one of a series by Elizabeth Mann on famous structures.Tom McNeely provides the accompanying paintings. (MYA38, $19.95)