The Book of Kings by Caleb Magyar and Stephanie Warren Drimmer - HIGH

The Book of Kings by Caleb Magyar and Stephanie Warren Drimmer, 176 pages. NON-FICTION. National Geographic Kids, 2019. $15.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

With the subtitle “Magnificent Monarchs, Notorious Nobles, and Distinguished Dudes Who Ruled the World”, this browsable nonfiction volume introduces readers to leaders and innovators from throughout history and around the world. The featured individuals are grouped into eight chapters: Empire Builders, Military Masterminds, Rulers in Revolution, Lords of Legend, Kings of Creativity (mostly artists), Aristocrats of Action (leaders in sports), Kings of Change (innovators and earth-shakers), and Kings of Knowledge (mostly scientists). The individual entries range from single paragraphs to double-page spreads, each including at least one illustration. A few entries focus on objects possessed by the powerful, such as crowns, castles, armor, swords, and awards.

The range of individuals included in this book is wide. You will find figures from both well-known and lesser-known events, as well as on the right and wrong sides of history. The 5-page index is adequately thorough; however, there is no timeline. Since the entries are organized by categories, you jump around in time quite a bit. Kids who enjoy browsing through world records and almanac will find this an interesting addition, and educational. Be aware, however, that most entries are too brief to be much help in research. If you do purchase it, I recommend also purchasing its companion book, The Book of Queens.

P.K. Foster, MLS, school librarian