A History of Just About Everything: 180 Events, People and Inventions That Changed the World
What’s inside...
This book provides a chronological 'walk through history,' offering a unique perspective by contextualizing events and showing how everything is interconnected across time. Covering six million years of human history, the book includes 180 entries on world-changing events and influential figures. Each entry is extensively researched and fact-checked, covering topics such as scientific discoveries, revolutions, disasters, influential literature, and art. The book is fully illustrated and written in an accessible style, emphasizing the cause-and-effect of historical events with special 'Ripples' boxes that explore their future impacts. Additional features include a timeline and an extensive index, making this sourcebook a valuable resource for classroom or library use. A History of Just about Everything From Buddha and Muhammad to King and Mandela, from the discovery of fire to the invention of the World Wide Web, and from Romeo and Juliet to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, this is a thorough and thoroughly entertaining compendium of important people and events.
Age
8-12
Length
124 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What invention from the book do you think has had the biggest impact on how we live today? Why?
Can you think of a person mentioned in the book who you admire or find interesting? What about their story stands out to you?
If you could go back in time to witness any event from the book, which one would it be and what would you hope to see or learn?
How do you think the world would be different if one of the events in the book had never happened?
What are some ways we can use lessons from the past, as discussed in the book, to improve our future?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions and thoughts about each topic, validating their feelings and ideas.
Use the book as a springboard to relate historical events or inventions to your child’s everyday life. This connection can make the discussion more relevant and engaging.
Ask follow-up questions that require your child to think critically and deepen their understanding of the content.
Include visual aids like timelines or pictures if possible to help your child visualize the historical events and people discussed.
Capitalize on storytelling by asking your child to narrate what could have happened before and after a specific event or invention featured in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: The book highlights various historical figures and inventors who faced numerous challenges but persevered. For example, Thomas Edison's numerous attempts before successfully inventing the light bulb.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace challenges in their own lives, understanding that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Understanding cultural diversity
Explanation: By covering a wide range of events and people from different cultures and time periods, the book provides a broad perspective on world history, promoting cultural awareness.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate and respect diversity in their school and community, enhancing social harmony.
Example Lesson: The value of innovation
Explanation: The book discusses key inventions that have shaped modern society, such as the internet and automobiles, emphasizing the impact of innovation.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think creatively and consider how their own ideas could potentially lead to improvements in their environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of environmental consciousness
Explanation: Environmental milestones and events, like the establishment of Earth Day, are covered, highlighting the ongoing efforts to protect our planet.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be mindful of their environment and promotes activities like recycling and conservation in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Learning from history
Explanation: The book encapsulates significant historical errors and successes, showing how the past shapes the present and future.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this understanding by making informed decisions and developing a keen sense of judgement based on historical outcomes.