Discovery, deduction, and debate about four hominins—people who lived before recorded history—are detailed in this lively, accessible narrative focusing on Turkana Boy, Lapedo Child, Kennewick Man, and Iceman. The four discoveries present a host of compelling stories from the moment each fossilized skeleton, bones, or mummy were first sighted, through the thorough study of the remains, and especially when experts propose reasoned but conflicting explanations of those results. Extensive back matter offers further reading, a timeline, glossary, list of individuals involved in discovery and research of the four hominins, and a bibliography. The engaging text draws readers in, and is enhanced with well-captioned photographs and a consistent design that allows easy comparison of the four cases. (Ages 12 and older)