A Rock’s Journey Through Time

Changed by billions of years and shaped by human hands, the stones that make up our homes, roadways, buildings, and bridges are a part of our story. Earth’s story.
From ancient cairns to castles, from the Great Wall of China to Maya cities, the stone structures we build tell us who we are, what we value, what we fear, and who we want to be. The story begins deep below the Earth’s surface. All those stones start with a rock.
Stone by Stone invites readers to consider how geology, engineering, and human history connect. The book opens with a striking and dramatic description of the rock cycle before delving into the many ways humans have used stones across history to rebuild, reconnect, and reimagine our place on Earth.
Melissa Koch’s lyrical language takes readers on a journey through the world’s stone structures, highlighting the human side of science. Victoria Tentler-Krylov’s art vibrates with energy, capturing the fire of the earth and the spirit of invention that lives inside all of us.
Robust back matter includes more information on the rock cycle, engineering, and stone usage throughout history, as well as a timeline, bibliography, and list of resources.
Purchase this Book:
A book that’s as tactile as its subject, at once intimate and epic.
Publishers Weekly, starred review
A thoughtful look at the stories stone can tell.
Kirkus Reviews
Sure to leave younger readers with a greater appreciation for this most common, versatile, and durable of materials.
School Library Journal
Detailed illustrations and rhythmic, concise text come together effortlessly in this alluring offering to tell stories about stones. . . . The rich back matter extends this book’s usefulness as supplementary curriculum support across an array of subjects. . . .
A solid, handsome addition for STEAM collections.
Booklist
Geologic study meets cinematic poetry in an easy pick for a cross-curriculum unit that will satisfy scientists and dreamers alike.
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Stone by Stone is fascinating, as creative as it is instructive, and a rock-solid addition to bookshelves.
Shelf Awareness
I highly recommend adding Stone by Stone to both classroom and home libraries. It’s a great starting point for conversations across numerous subjects and topics, including geology, the rock cycle, archaeology, ancient civilizations, engineering, architecture, world history, art history, geography, and how humans have shaped (and continue to shape) the landscape. Educators could even use this book as a launchpad to creative writing by exploring the stories hidden within stones.
KidLit Grove