When scientist and explorer Maria Reiche visited Peru’s Nazca Lines in 1941, she was immediately captivated
by the larger-than-life animal carvings. But what were they, and why were they there? This STEAM nonfiction
picture book for young readers reveals the story behind one of the greatest indigenous artworks in the Americas,
now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Maria Reiche wanted to put her curious mind to the test. When visiting
Peru in 1941, she trekked across the land and discovered hidden lines covered in centuries of clay and sand.
Fasciated, she picked up a broom from her tools and began sweeping for miles and miles to uncover more
details, taking time to track her movement and sketch out the precise shapes she followed. Her first discovery
was a spider-shaped carving spanning hundreds of feet of desert! Sweeping her way across the land, other
shapes followed—a monkey, a condor, and a whale. But in the midst of these discoveries, she found out the land
was going to be used for farming. She got to work again, this time demanding a press conference to announce
her discoveries and stop the destruction of these ancient works of art—and it worked! Her efforts protected the
land, which was later named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 thanks to Maria’s tireless efforts.Author
Michaela MacColl’s lyrical writing and extensive research showcase Maria’s triumphant tale, accompanied by
art from Peruvian illustrator Elisa Chavarri, a past recipient of the Pura Belpré Honor.
