Curse of the Mummy: Uncovering Tutankhamun’s Tomb is excellent

THE CURSE OF THE MUMMY: UNCOVERING TUTANKHAMUN’S TOMB, by Candace Fleming, Scholastic Focus, Sept. 7, 2021, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)

Fans of ancient Egypt rejoice! The Curse of the Mummy: Uncovering Tutankhamun’s Tomb, by Candace Fleming, is as cool as the cover suggests.

During the reign of the New Kingdom of Egypt, the boy pharaoh Tutankhamun ruled and died tragically young. In order to send him on his way into the afterlife, his tomb was filled with every treasure he would need after death. And then, it was lost to time, buried in the sands of the Valley of the Kings.

His tomb was also said to be cursed.

Centuries later, as Egypt-mania gripped Europe, two Brits — a rich earl with a habit for gambling and a disreputable, determined archeologist — worked for years to rediscover and open Tutankhamun’s tomb. But once it was uncovered, would ancient powers take their revenge for disturbing and even looting the pharaoh’s resting place? What else could explain the mysterious illnesses, accidents, and deaths that began once it was found? —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Focus

I’ve always been fascinated by ancient civilizations — ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, ancient Rome, etc. It’s my favorite part of history — the art, symbolism, politics. So, when The Curse of the Mummy arrived, I was really excited. So, too, was my 7-year-old, who has been begging to read it after me.

Everything about The Curse of the Mummy is great. Award-winning author Candace Fleming presents the true story of the search for, and discovery of, Tutankhamun’s tomb in a format that almost reads like a novel. Her conversational tone makes history come to life, and the “curse pages” sprinkled throughout add a sense of drama.

What really helps take The Curse of the Mummy over the top is the wealth of photographs and illustrations throughout. There were far more than I was expecting, and they help break up the chapters for readers with shorter attention spans. They also help readers understand the logistics and scope of the excavation.

The Curse of the Mummy is a delight to read. From treasure hunting to archeological practices to ethical questions, Fleming deftly covers them all. This is a book that will appeal to a variety of readers of all ages.

*Learn more about King Tut with this Curse of the Mummy – Fact Sheet from Scholastic.