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From Then to Now: A Short History of the World

illustrations by
3.77
on Goodreads (69)

What’s inside...

From Then to Now is a vibrant exploration of human history, highlighting the journey of our hunter-gatherer ancestors from the African savannah to the modern world. The book delves into the struggles of individual societies as they navigated war, disease, slavery, natural disasters, and the expansion of human knowledge. Through engaging text and illustrations, it covers influential figures and milestones from Hammurabi to Henry Ford and the Taj Mahal to the Eiffel Tower. The narrative also emphasizes the importance of recognizing our common heritage and mixed ancestry to foster unity. Complete with an index, maps, and notes, this book is both an informative reference and an enjoyable read, aimed at creating a generation of history buffs.
Age

10-12

Length

192 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

What was one event in the book that surprised you? Why?
If you could meet any historical figure mentioned in the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How do you think the world has changed the most from the past to now?
What lessons can we learn from history to make our future better?
How do you think inventions mentioned in the book impacted people’s lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight connections between historical events and modern-day life to make the content relatable.
Encourage your child to express their opinions about what they read and relate it to their experiences.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to show genuine interest and deepen understanding.
Share your own insights or related stories from history to foster a richer discussion.
Emphasize critical thinking by asking your child what they would have done differently in historical situations.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Understanding the passage of time
Explanation: The book takes readers on a journey through significant historical events, teaching them how the world has changed over centuries.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the present by understanding the past, helping them grasp the concept of time and change in their day-to-day life.
Example Lesson: The importance of diverse civilizations
Explanation: Christopher Moore highlights contributions from various cultures and societies, showing how interconnected and significant each civilization has been to global development.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to respect and value different cultures and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive attitude in their interactions with peers.
Example Lesson: Cause and effect in history
Explanation: The book illustrates how historical events are often connected, and how the actions of individuals and nations can lead to significant changes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding of cause and effect to their own lives, learning that their actions have consequences and that they play a part in shaping their own history.
Example Lesson: Learning from historical mistakes
Explanation: By exploring past conflicts and resolutions, the book helps children see the importance of learning from mistakes to prevent future issues.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to reflect on their choices and to learn from both their successes and failures.