Reading the Bones: Homo Naledi and the Mysteries of Human Evolution

By John S. Mead and Marc Aronson

High-stakes adventure meets cutting-edge science in this true account of the groundbreaking discovery of Homo naledi, which shocked the world of evolutionary science and redefined what it means to be human--for readers ages 10+.

In 2013, deep in a cave in South Africa, a team of intrepid researchers from across the globe discovered a previously unknown human ancestor who is changing how we see our past--and present. Later named Homo naledi, what remained of this 300,000-year-old species was only accessible through a harrowing labyrinth of razor-thin crevices, some as narrow as 7 inches. Once in the main Dinaledi chamber (translated as "chamber of stars" in the local Sesotho language), researchers found hundreds of bones and a mystery like no other. This unprecedented discovery would not only offer insight into the lives of these astonishing beings--and by extension our own origins--it would also catapult the expedition into international news and the scientific spotlight.

Written by Robert F. Sibert Medalist Marc Aronson and a nationally recognized educator, John S. Mead--both of whom have been intimately involved with the Homo naledi story from the start--this fast-paced and fascinating nonfiction book for young readers reminds us that our evolution is an ongoing exploration, full of boundless opportunity for new discoveries, new questions, and new ideas. Reading the Bones: Homo naledi and the Mysteries of Human Evolution is the perfect book to inspire today's curious kids to become tomorrow's daring anthropological adventurers.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0374392315
• ISBN13: 9780374392314
• Release Date: April 2026
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.4" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 10 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 9