Cannibal In The Mirror

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Summary: Cannibal in the Mirror
Review: ... Newbery winning author Paul fleischman has done it again!Hehas created a book that breaks the mold and almost defiesclassification. Cannibal in the Mirror will entice many to take a look. The intriguing title is supported by a cover that includes a sketch of a primitive male with tattoos and body jewelry alongside a photo of a similar looking male from modern day. The comparable format is seen throughout the book. Each two page spread consists of one page which is a selection from anthropological writings and printed on a background that resembles marble, faced by a colorful photograph from our culture that eerily resembles the selected text, some centuries old! Youth, courtship and marriage, family and society, recreation, appearance, beliefs, old age and death are the categories depicted. John Whalen collaborated with Fleischman on this endeavor, his photographs enhance the book with scenes from contemporary culture which include a video arcade, team sports, graffiti, women's mud wrestling, Skinheads, tabloids, and the aged. Fleishcman's love of research and scavenging through the past is evident in the various excerpts he included from anthropological texts. The style of the book is somewhat reminiscent of Fleischman's earlier book Dateline Troy, where newspaper clippings from this century are juxtaposed with selections from his superb retelling of events from the Trojan war. Cannibal in the Mirror will encourage readers to contemplate our modern culture and consider how closely many of our activities liken to bizarre initiation rites, tribal feuds, gluttony, and hedonistic lifestyles of primitive cultures. This book would provoke lively discussions in the Social Studies Classroom. Upper middle school and junior high students will be drawn to the book's simplicity and captivating photographs.

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Summary: Though provoking presentation for young readers.
Review: Quotes from explorers, missionaries and writers blend with modern photos to explore the theme of 'uncivilized' cultures and their presence in American society. Primitive customers are first described by Fleischman, then facing pages provide photos of present-day, mainstream activities. A thought-provoking, if not hard to categorize, presentation.