Designed to supplement an established language arts and social studies program, this books deals with the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayas of Latin America. All of the "Story Starter" books are intended to give a variety of vocabulary and story ideas to help with the writing process. Each of the books is divided into four main sections: (1) an introductory section which explains the different elements of a story; (2) a "character" section which contains details for characterization or character recipes; (3) a "setting" section which contains details for settings or setting recipes; and (4) a "plot" section which contains "cliff hangers" designed to give the writer the first part of a story which can then be expanded using the "plot cards" as well as the "character and setting cards." A teacher can use the cliff hangers as examples of how to develop other cliff hangers which students can then complete. A 24-item list of project ideas and a 16-step story flow chart complete the book. (CR)