On this Day: A History of the World in 366 Days
on Goodreads (39)
What’s inside...
On This Day is a unique history reference book that provides a visual journey through time by exploring key historical events on each day of the year. From ancient history to modern events, this book features a mix of serious history, fun facts, and bizarre occurrences. It includes the birthdays of famous historical figures and modern celebrities, and showcases the world's international diversity with events like the Japanese invention of street markings for the blind and the struggle for racial equality in South Africa. With historical photographs and quirky illustrations, the book is an accessible and enjoyable way for parents and educators to teach children about history. Ever wonder what happened 100 years ago on your birthday? What about on Christmas Day in the year 800? Or Halloween in the distant past? You might be surprised by what you find out. From January 1st to December 31st you will travel back in time and discover the weird and wonderful things that happened around the world on every day of the year. From a close encounter with Halley's Comet on April 1, 374, to the introduction of Dolly the Sheep, the world's first cloned mammal, on February 21, 1996, there is something incredible to learn on every page. Unlike other day-by-day history books, On This Day uses quirky graphics and funky illustrations to turn back time and bring the past of each day back to life. No matter what your interests are, this visual feast of a book brings together an incredibly diverse range of events, all of them united by the day they share.
Age
9-12
Length
376 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What event in the book did you find the most interesting and 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 since the events described on your birthday?
Which event do you think had the biggest impact on the world? How?
Can you think of an event that happened recently that might be added to a future edition of this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to pick a specific date that interests them and discuss the historical event of that day.
Encourage your child to compare different events and their impacts on various parts of the world.
Facilitate connections between the historical events in the book and your child’s everyday life to make the discussion more relatable.
Use a globe or a world map during your discussion to locate where each event took place, enhancing spatial awareness along with historical knowledge.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to ask their own questions about history.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the flow of history
Explanation: The book presents significant historical events for each day of the year, showing how events are interconnected and impact future outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can compare past events with current events, developing a deeper understanding of how historical occurrences shape the present and future world.
Example Lesson: Importance of cultural diversity
Explanation: By covering a range of global events, the book showcases the diverse cultural, social, and political landscapes across different eras and continents.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect different cultures and perspectives, which is crucial in fostering inclusivity and tolerance in everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and analysis
Explanation: The book encourages readers to think about why certain events happened and their significant impacts, prompting analytical thinking.
Real-World Application: This skill helps children in school assignments and in forming well-rounded opinions about complex issues they encounter in daily life.
Example Lesson: Inspiration through historical figures
Explanation: By learning about key figures who have influenced history, children discover role models who demonstrate resilience, innovation, and leadership.
Real-World Application: Children can draw inspiration from these figures, applying similar values and determination in their personal goals and challenges.
Example Lesson: Chronological knowledge and connection
Explanation: This book helps to build a timeline in children's minds of when important events occurred, aiding in their chronological awareness.
Real-World Application: This understanding helps children place new information in context, enhancing their memory and recall abilities.