A Place in the Sun

November 2, 1998
When a young sculptor in 13th-century B.C. Egypt accidentally kills a sacred dove, he is sentenced to a lifetime of hard labor in the Nubian mines. Ages 8-12. (Nov.)r

April 1, 1997
Gr 3-6-When his sculptor father is bitten by a cobra, Senmut believes that if he can carve a statue of the healer-goddess Sekhmet that will please her, she will help save Yuf. But as the boy works, he carelessly throws aside a tool, accidentally killing a dove. This thoughtless act, in the ancient Egypt Rubalcaba has re-created, means a death sentence for Senmut, unless the gods intercede on his behalf. They do, and instead of a quick death, the boy is sentenced to work in the mines, which will lead, he knows, to a slower, but no-less-sure, demise. How the protagonist escapes this fate and, by virtue of his talent and some good luck, survives to become Royal Sculptor to the Pharaoh, makes for an exciting and information-filled adventure. The details of daily life, customs, and beliefs of the people are wonderfully revealed through the words and deeds of the characters. The story has enough excitement to capture the interest of most reluctant readers. While several of the events rely on coincidence, careful plotting and foreshadowing prepare readers for some of the ensuing action. The prologue, for example, is told from the cobra's perspective and cleverly sets the stage for what follows. The places and objects are so well described that they can be easily visualized by children unfamiliar with Egyptian artifacts. A substantial glossary helps to identify and explain unfamiliar terms. A fine story for enjoyment or as curriculum support for units on ancient Egypt.-Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City

April 1, 1997
Gr. 3^-6. When his sculptor father is bitten by a cobra, Senmut carves a statue of Sekhmet, hoping to appease this goddess of illness and healing. Ironically, in his haste he accidentally kills a dove, a capital offense in thirteenth-century-B.C. Egypt, the setting of this fast-paced historical novel. Although the boy's life is spared, he is exiled to toil in the gold mines of Nubia, a life that is literally worse than death. His inherited artistic talent and--perhaps--divine intervention provide a surprising but plausible ending. Since there is enough plot here for a novel much longer than this slender adventure, some of its scenes seem truncated. However, the suspense never flags, and details of the period are so smoothly integrated that the action never slows, either. An appended glossary is useful and informative. ((Reviewed April 1, 1997))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1997, American Library Association.)