Lady of the Lines

How Maria Reiche Saved the Nazca Lines by Sweeping the Desert

Michaela Maccoll, Elisa Chavarri

$39.99

Hardback

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English

Minedition (imprint of Penguin Group (USA) Inc)
06 May 2025

Picture books, activity books & early learning material; History & the past: general interest (Children's&YA)

When scientist and explorer Maria Reiche visited Peru's Nazca Lines in 1941, she was immediately captivated by the larger-than-life animal carvings. But what were they, and why were they there? This STEAM nonfiction picture book for young readers reveals the story behind one of the greatest indigenous artworks in the Americas, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When scientist and explorer Maria Reiche visited Peru's Nazca Lines in 1941, she was immediately captivated by the larger-than-life animal carvings. But what were they, and why were they there? This STEAM nonfiction picture book for young readers reveals the story behind one of the greatest indigenous artworks in the Americas, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Maria Reiche wanted to put her curious mind to the test. When visiting Peru in 1941, she trekked across the land and discovered hidden lines covered in centuries of clay and sand. Fasciated, she picked up a broom from her tools and began sweeping for miles and miles to uncover more details, taking time to track her movement and sketch out the precise shapes she followed. Her first discovery was a spider-shaped carving spanning hundreds of feet of desert! Sweeping her way across the land, other shapes followed-a monkey, a condor, and a whale. But in the midst of these discoveries, she found out the land was going to be used for farming. She got to work again, this time demanding a press conference to announce her discoveries and stop the destruction of these ancient works of art-and it worked! Her efforts protected the land, which was later named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 thanks to Maria's tireless efforts.

Author Michaela MacColl's lyrical writing and extensive research showcase Maria's triumphant tale, accompanied by art from Peruvian illustrator Elisa Chavarri, a past recipient of the Pura Belpre Honor.

By: Michaela Maccoll
Illustrated by: Elisa Chavarri
Imprint: Minedition (imprint of Penguin Group (USA) Inc)
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 287mm, Width: 241mm, Spine: 10mm
Weight: 499g
ISBN: 9781662620096
ISBN 10: 1662620098
Pages: 48
Publication Date: 06 May 2025
Recommended Age: From 7 to 10 years
Audience: Children/juvenile , English as a second language
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Michaela MacColl is the author of several books, including View from Pagoda Hill, which received honorable mention from the Grateful American Book Prize and was a NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book, a Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year, and a finalist in the Connecticut Book Awards, 2022. Her other books include Promise the Night, which was selected for the ALA's Amelia Bloomer Book List, IRA's Notable Books for a Global Society, and the Bank Street College's Best Books list. Lady of the Lines is her picture book debut. Elisa Chavarri is an award-winning Peruvian illustrator of several children's books, including Sharuko, a 2021 Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor Book and the winner of the 2021 Bank Street College Silver Medal for Best Children's Picture Books of the Year in Spanish. She is also the illustrator of A Crown for Corina by Laekan Zea Kemp, and many other books.

Reviews for Lady of the Lines: How Maria Reiche Saved the Nazca Lines by Sweeping the Desert

""Get readers ready to be introduced to their new favorite obsession through the compelling adventure of a woman who refused to leave any path uncrossed. MacColl does an extraordinary job of weaving the nonfiction information into a narrative format that draws readers in to learn more about the Nazca lines. The additional back matter offers excellent context to the story unfolded. Chavarri’s illustrations add a vibrancy that feels both realistic and whimsical. Aspiring archeologists and adventurers alike in all libraries will benefit from the inspiration Maria Reiche offers in being dedicated to new discoveries.""—School Library Journal ""The engaging narrative is part process story and part biography... an inspiring portrait of scientific dedication.""—Kirkus Reviews