Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 06/01/2021 Young fossil enthusiasts will be fascinated by this story of the Ashfall Fossil Beds, which begins with the 1953 discovery of a skull and jaw of a rhino in Nebraska. More amazing was geologist Mike Voorhies' 1971 discovery of an entire baby rhino fossil and, in 1977, of dozens more rhino skeleton fossils. This book describes the scientific research that Voorhies and others conducted to confirm that the fossil remains were from almost 12 million years ago, when Nebraska was a savanna ecosystem. They discovered that these animals suffocated from ash after a supervolcano erupted thousands of miles away. The book recounts the efforts of Voorhies and others over the past 50 years to preserve these amazing fossils at the dig site for future generations to enjoy. As of 2021, more than 350 fossil animals and 250,000 bones have been found. Huynh's strikingly bold black-and-white illustrations supplement black-and-white photos and solid back matter. Ideal for fossil hunters and readers interested in observing how scientists prove theories based on scientific evidence. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 07/01/2021 Gr 5 Up—This title explores the surprising discoveries made at Nebraska's Ashfall Fossil Beds over a 50-year span, including information about new species, geological events, and animal behavior. At the same time, Stevens provides fascinating insights into the techniques scientists use to reconstruct the ancient past. The writing is lively, clear, and sometimes conversational. Fluid nonfiction storytelling presents the research in terms of mysteries to be solved, and readers gain an increasingly fuller picture of the work and its results with each new revelation. The author does a nice job of introducing material, then building upon it in subsequent chapters. The process of pinpointing the dates of the fossils, for example, involves three different methods over time, each one further solidifying theories. Explanations of key concepts such as evolution or fission tracks are clear and supported neatly by examples. The logistics of this huge, multiyear project emerge in different ways, such as the careful methods used to avoid damaging specimens and the need to bring in experts in various fields to uncover the full truth. Short, well-organized chapters help to break up the wealth of information into sections without overwhelming readers. The chronologically arranged narrative conveys the passage of several decades, but dates are usually not provided for specific events. Visual support is provided with black-and-white drawings of the ancient creatures, along with occasional diagrams and photographs of fossils. VERDICT Engaging science content for older readers who love paleontology.—Steven Engelfried, Wilsonville P.L., OR - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.