A History of Just About Everything: 180 Events, People, and Inventions That Changed the World by Elizabeth MacLeod and Fried Wisinsky, illustrated by Qin Leng - ADVSIABLE

MacLeod, Elizabeth and Frieda Wisinsky.  A History of Just About Everything: 180 Events, People, and Inventions That Changed the World, illustrated by Qin Leng.  NON-FICTION.  Kids Can Press, 2013.  Content: G. 

When they say, “a history of just about everything” they mean it.  Starting with humans evolving from apes and ending with the 2011 Japanese Earthquake, this historical overview highlights the inventions, authors, wars, natural disasters, and historic individuals who changed the world as we know it.  I really liked how the authors focused on the ripples of history: “Learning about history makes you realize that what happens in one place and time can spill over to another” (page 5).  Throughout the book there are many “ripple” highlights in colored boxes that explain the long term effect of particular sections.  The writing is a bit scholarly, but very readable.  The illustrations on every page add color and interest to the topics and are just as informational as the text.  Overall, the book is a great resource for elementary world history.

EL – ADVISABLE.  Samantha Hastings, MA, MLS.