Ballplayers and Bonesetters: One Hundred Ancient Aztec and Maya Jobs You Might Have Adored or Abhorred

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Imagine growing up in Mesoamerica before the Spanish Conquest (1350 1521). What does your future hold The ancient Aztecs, Maya and other Mesoamericans believed that the gods created a world where everyone had a role to play. Some people were born to rule, others to serve. If you were lucky, you might have been a high priest or a queen. On the other hand, you could have ended up as a latrine boatman or a slave destined to become a sacrificial victim.
Find out what it was like to be a tax collector (don't try to keep any money for yourself; the penalty is death!) or a porter (only if you enjoy carrying heavy packs up mountains). Or perhaps you'd prefer building pyramids, raising dogs or being a royal cook (frog casserole with green chile, anyone). Other jobs you might have held include:
Counterfeiter
Bell maker
Mosaic mask maker
Beekeeper
Featuring a fact-filled introduction, a timeline and humorous illustrations, this book offers a unique view of one of the most remarkable civilizations of all time.

Reviews

An excellent source for a report about Mesoamerican life. With short paragraphs on each occupation, cartoon pictures of Mesoamericans at their jobs, and bubble commentary, this kid-friendly narrative will entice with its humor and unexpected trivia.--Ellizabeth Breau"ForeWord" (01/03/2009)
Readable and humorous ... the descriptions of the vocations yield a rich view of the culture, and the breezy text makes this as much a browsing as a reference title. The colorful cartoon illustrations enhance the text, adding just the right artistic complement... A solid purchase for elementary school and public libraries.--Ann Welton, Helen B Stafford Elementary, Tacoma TX"School Lilbrary Journal" (12/01/2008)
Readable and humorous ... A solid purchase for elementary school and public libraries.--Ann Welton, Helen B Stafford Elementary, Tacoma TX"School Lilbrary Journal" (12/01/2008)

Author Bio

Laurie Coulter is the author of six books, including "Secrets in Stone: All About Maya Hieroglyphs." She lives in Toronto.

Martha Newbigging has illustrated many books, including "Research Ate My Brain," "Attack of the Killer Video Book" and two other books in this series: "Cowboys and Coffin Makers" and "Archers, Alchemists and 98 Other Medieval Jobs You Might Have Loved or Loathed." She lives in rural Ontario.