Reviews (15)

A timeless reference
This book presents a dozen historically significant dates and vignettes from the stone age to the present day. The realistic illustrations of the street, its buildings and inhabitants show a snapshot of each age plus lingering elements from earlier times. A scene from circa 1500 AD, for example, shows intimate details and panoramic views: a white cross marking the door of a quarantined house, the visible panic of a plague victim upon seeing the black pustules under his arm, a medieval windmill built on a prehistoric barrow, a castle built on the ruins of a Roman fort, etc. The drama and detail help history come alive for readers.
History Lesson at a Glance
Any one can learn about how people lived during an era easily by viewing all that takes place on a typical day.Each page captures the lives of those who live in that era for all to see at a glance.Added fun is trying to find the time traveler on each page!And, yes, he is on each page - hiding in haystacks during raids, on a boat during the plaque to bartering for fruits on yet another page (era).Teacher loved it,and kids have enjoyed veiwing an learning without realizing it.

A Street Through Time
I would recommend this book to kids who are interested in history, because I love history and I loved this book. This book does have pictures, but adults may like it too. This book is a 12,000 year walk through history on one street. I thought it was great. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Archaeology, Urban    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Cities and towns    5. City and town life    6. Europe    7. History    8. History - General    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Social Science - Archaeology    12. Social Science - Customs, Traditions, Anthropology    13. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Science / Customs, Traditions, Anthropology   

Reviews (1)

. . . A Wonderfully Illustrated Tour of San Francisco
I purchased this book, a beautifully illustrated treasure, as a souvenir on one of my trips to San Francisco.The illustrations are so incredible--bright, cheerful, detailed and full of life.Each illustration (i.e. Golden Gate Bridge, The Cable Cars and Lombard Street) is accompaniedby a brief history and interesting facts. Other sections include anOverview of the city's history, "Fun Facts" about San Franciscoand an "Explorer's Guide".The book is both absolutely beautifuland filled with relevant information about exploring San Franciscoincluding telephone numbers for various attractions.I highly recommendthis book both for children and adults. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Sociology    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Description and travel    5. General    6. Guidebooks    7. Guides    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Lifestyles - City & Town Life    11. Lifestyles - City Life    12. People & Places - United States    13. San Francisco (Calif.)    14. Social Studies - General    15. Early learning / early learning concepts    16. Juvenile Nonfiction / Lifestyles / City Life   

Reviews (1)

the answer to your questions
This book could tell you the answers or doubts about the Sioux indians.It tells you in the the point as if you lived with the Sioux indians.I really like this book because it really helps out in projects you need to research. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Dakota Indians    4. Indians of North America    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. People & Places - United States    8. People & Places - United States - Native American    9. Social Science - Customs, Traditions, Anthropology   

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography - General    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Juvenile Earth Sciences    4. Juvenile Multicultural Studies    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. People & Places - Africa    7. Science & Nature - Earth Sciences - Water (Oceans, Lakes, Etc.)    8. Social Issues - Friendship    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / General   

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 4-6    2. Juvenile Nonfiction    3. Social Science - General   

Reviews (1)

I Love Rookie Readers!
This is a great book to introduce the concept of continents to kids of all ages!It provides them with great content information and material that that students can actually practice reading! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Sociology    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Continents    5. Juvenile Geography    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. People & Places - General    9. Social Studies - General   

Reviews (3)

Well done
It's sort of sad that a book like this is even necessary, but I have seen teachers make assignments such as, "Everyone will do a report on how people live in different places.We need reports on Japan, Mexico, Germany, China, and Africa." children today need this book
Having visited many classes of young children, I have seen the ignorance that children today have about the African continent and the vast cultures that inhabit the mysterious land.Knight's writing is academic, but not too technical, and playful but honest as she presents a look at the daily lives of children from all over the continent.The book is complete with a listing of all the African countries and important facts about them making it handy in the classroom and wonderful detailed stories about specifically chosen countries making it useful for home story telling.Children need this book and the bst part is that they will love it too.

A delightful picture book for children
KNIGHT, Margy Burns Mark Melnicove Africa is Not a Country Millbrook Sep2000 Grade 1-4Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Children's 9-12 - Sociology    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 People & Places    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Civilization    6. History - Africa    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. People & Places - Africa    10. Social Studies - General    11. Social life and customs    12. Juvenile Nonfiction / People & Places / Africa   

Editorial Review

Tired of books about the presidency that present themselves as historybooks? Author Judith St. George--along with Caldecott Honor-winning illustratorDavid Small--has created a book about the presidency that's serious fun. Thebasic theme is that anyone can be president: a fat man (William Howard Taft) ora tiny man (James Madison), a relative youngster (Teddy Roosevelt at 42) oroldster (Ronald Reagan at 69). Presidential hobbies, sports, virtues, and vicesall get a tongue-in-cheek airing, perfectly matched by Small's political-cartoonstyle of caricature painting. It's fun, but the underlying purpose is clearlyserious: to remind kids that the American presidents have been a motley group ofindividuals, not a row of marble busts. Ironically, that message makes thepresidency far more interesting (and appealing) than it seems in some of themore traditional books. There's a factual addendum at the back giving all thedates and names, with a one-line bio for each past-president. (Ages 8 and older)Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. General    5. Historical - United States - General    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Miscellanea    9. Presidents    10. Social Science - Politics & Government    11. United States    12. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / United States / General   

Reviews (5)

Really Good
This book does a good job of recreating life, the hardships, deprivations and overall changes required of society on the American homefront during the years of the Second World War. It also shows the lives lived by Red Cross Volunteers, troops as they were transported overseas, nurses, WAV's and WAC's, factory laborers and children. It uses great illustrations and descriptions to personalize the age and show what our forebears endured. I especially liked the effort invested by the author(s) in pointing out how virtually everyone contributed something toward winning the war. This book leaves few stones unturned and I think a brilliant job is done in demonstrating a 360-degree view of what life during this time of struggle was like for millions of Americans.

Classroom Helper
This is a great book to use in the classroom while teaching children about WWII. The children learned much more from this book than their text book. It shows how children and adults lived during the war. There is a lot of useful information to get the childrens attention for future lessons. I recommend that all children read this book if they are studying WWII. It's not really a story just a lot of information about clothes, toys, sports, food, etc....
a good glance at Molly's world in 1944...
I found this book to be a great read about the 1940's, as did my grandparents, who were teenagers back then. However, I felt that it muted things a little...such as the war, the nazis, and what was really going on.The actual Molly books do a better job of bluntly protraying Molly's world by pointing out the hardships faced during the war.Out of all the books I read about the second world war, this one only skims the surface.But it is perfect for the person who is just learning about the war. And it did bring back many a memory to my grandparents, who remember many of the things described in the book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1933-1945    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. History    5. History - United States/20th Century    6. Juvenile Historical Fiction    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Social Science - Customs, Traditions, Anthropology    10. United States    11. World War, 1939-1945   

Reviews (3)

Story of Odysseus
Peter Connolly's extensive knowledge and illustrations in this book are to be commended. We used this at school, for our classical education curriculum, and though it was a bit long and involved for my class, we gleaned much knowledge and background for our history lessons.The students in my class were just a bit shocked at some of the pictures of the women, and for this reason, I did not give it a 5.We picked it, unable to preview it, on the recommendation of others.

Great Illustrations
Peter Connolly has provided (as usual) excellent illustrations in this book.I first read the Iliad when I was seventeen.As I looked through this book, chills ran down my spine as I saw the characters and sites which had long been inside of my head.Connolly has the uncanny ability to draw what is already in your imagination.
Myth Mastered
This book combines Peter Connolly's expansive knowledge of the literature of Homer with his enormous knowledge of the archaeology of the ancient world. He manages to give full value in both areas for any interested reader, whether new to either subject or not. That seems to be true of the target age group or even those of us of much hoarier vintage. Something an interested child should treasure long past the time he has apparently "grown out of it." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art and the war    2. Children's 9-12 - History - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. History - Ancient    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Odysseus (Greek mythology)    9. Social Science - Folklore & Mythology    10. Social Studies - Folklore & Mythology    11. Trojan War    12. Troy (Extinct city)    13. Classical languages: literary criticism    14. English    15. Fiction    16. For National Curriculum Key Stage 2    17. History, World | Ancient | Greek    18. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Science / Folklore & Mythology   

Reviews (2)

Ten Inspirational Women...
What do Rosa Parks, Mary McLeod Bethune and Shirley Chisholm all have in common?They're three of the ten extraordinary African American freedom fighters in Andrea Davis Pinkney's marvelous collection, Let It Shine.These are strong women who didn't just sit back and accept the status quo, but met challenges head on and took action to change the world and make it a better place.These ten dynamic women were never silent, even when they thought no one was listening, faced discrimination, inequality and racism, triumphed in their battles against oppression and for civil rights and inspired those who followed in their footsteps.Told in easy to read, conversational style, each chapter is rich in both anecdotal and historical detail and accompanied by Stephen Alcorn's beautiful and bold oil painting illustrations.Perfect for youngsters 10 and older, Let It Shine also makes a wonderful read-aloud book the entire family can share and enjoy.

Continuing the Legacy
"Let It Shine: The Stories of Ten Black Women Freedom Fighters" is an amazing, entertaining, and educational journey back through time for both children and adults alike.The stories accurately depict the changing face of America for all people.The author, Andrea Davis Pinkney, uses a combination of oral stories and historical facts to re-create the lives of ten African American women "freedom fighters" (a.k.a. civil rights activists.)The descriptive language Pinkney uses keeps the style of the text upbeat and enjoyable.Among the list of women are Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks.However, there is also a presence of many unknown women, such as Shirley Chisholm, an inspirational politician, and Biddy Mason, a one-time slave with never ending generosity.The stories are quite diverse, spanning a history of nearly the entire 20th century.Some of these historical references include the signing of the emancipation proclamation, the peaceful demonstrations of the civil rights movement, and the Democratic Convention of 1968. There is one common, underlying goal of each story- inspiration.From Harriet Tubman's Underground Railroad to Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat, there is a sublte undertone that promotes and requires action.These women learned that justice comes from not only speaking, but doing.Their stories and successes encourage people of all ages to get up and fight against inequality. The combination of descriptive oral stories and historical facts, along with the colorful illustrations, keep readers of any age interested in this text. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African American women    2. African American women civil r    3. African American women civil rights workers    4. African Americans    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography - Cultural Heritage    7. Biography & Autobiography - Political    8. Biography & Autobiography - Social Activists    9. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Biography    10. Children: Grades 3-4    11. Civil rights    12. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    13. History    14. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    15. Social Science    16. U.S. - Political And Civil Rights Of Blacks    17. Women In The U.S.    18. Women's Studies - General    19. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / People of Color   

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 4-6    2. Juvenile Nonfiction    3. Social Science - General   

Editorial Review

Paul Fleischman offers a glimpse at the Trojan War through modern day newspaper headlines. By equating such events as Agamemnon offering sacrifice to the Greeks before sailing to Troy with George Bush's declaration of a national day of prayer after sending troops to the Persian Gulf, or the massacre of the Trojans by the Greeks to the My Lai incident in Vietnam, Fleischman helps young scholars understand the myth through present-day events and attitudes. Each page of text is enhanced by a collage of newspaper clippings relating to a particular piece of the myth. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Not appropriate for grade schoolers
My 11-year-old son brought this book home from the grade school library and, upon first glance, I thought it would be an interesting book. However, as I flipped through the book and saw the newspaper clippings the other reviewers mentioned, I was somewhat startled.Some of them read: "Japan Admits WWII Use of Sex Slaves," "War Protester Burns Herself To Death Here," and "Newborn Found in Dumpster."There were several other, similar articles.This may be fine for young adults of junior high age or higher, but not for grade school kids.

Are modern humans and institutions like Ancient Greece?
I have read, both in my childhood and adulthood, many different versions of the Trojan War. The version in this book is well written for both adult and younger audiences. Dateline: Troy
Dateline: TroyRead more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Folk Tales / Mythology / Fables (Young Adult)    5. History - Modern    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Mythology, Greek    9. Social Science - Folklore & Mythology    10. Trojan War    11. World politics    12. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / General   

Reviews (6)

Great activities!
This book has loads of great activities to enhance study of the ancients.Activities require only standard items found around the house and have very understandable instructions.

Guide to Snoresville
Absolutely boring...my students laughed at some of the suggestions.I just had to return it.My sixth graders would have done a far better job writing this book than the author.It wasn't worth the restocking fee either!

A fun supplement to the study of ancient history
We prefer a literature approach to homeschooling, but also love books like this that bring in creative hands-on activities. Our preferred history spine for Ancient cultures is "Our Young Folks' Josephus" which not only covers Israel, but also all the cultures that affect her including Greece and Rome. "Classical Kids" is a great addition to our homeschool. It includes fun crafts that reflect ancient Greek and Roman arts, as well as great science projects. Along with "Archimedes and the Door of Science" and "Galen and the Gateway to Medicine" it is a wonderful part of our ancient history studies. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity Books - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Civilization    5. Creative activities and seat w    6. Creative activities and seat work    7. Greece    8. Handicraft    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Rome    12. Social Science - Customs, Traditions, Anthropology    13. Social Science - General    14. Social life and customs    15. To 146 B.C    16. Ancient Greece    17. History    18. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Science / Customs, Traditions, Anthropology   

Reviews (2)

This Book Tells It Like It Is
As a soon to be teacher, and part time archaeologist, this is by far the best book about archaeology for young kids I have found.It gives accurate information in fun, easy to understand language.My students were always interested in my summer and weekend work outside of the school.It was wonderful to find a book I could share with them that was not over their heads.My archaeology professor from college even borrowed it to share with his entry level classes.

Well-conceived and informative
This book is part of the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series, which has more than 80 titles. The Stage 1 books explain simple and easily observable science concepts for preschool- and kindergarten-age children. Stage 2books, which includes this title, explore more challenging concepts forchildren in the primary grades and include hands-on activities thatchildren can do themselves. "Archaeologists Dig For Clues" iswell-conceived and informative, with bright cartoon drawings. It isformatted a little like the "Magic School Bus" books, more for upperelementary kids. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Archaeology    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. History - Prehistoric    5. Juvenile literature    6. Science & Nature - General    7. Social Science - Archaeology    8. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / General   

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - History - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 People & Places    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Guatemala    5. History - Central & South America    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile Social Science (General)    8. Juvenile literature    9. Latin America - Central America    10. People & Places - Central & South America    11. Social Science - Customs, Traditions, Anthropology   

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 4-6    2. Juvenile Nonfiction    3. Social Science - General    4. Geographical information systems (GIS) & remote sensing   

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Pop Arts    2. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile literature    6. Popular culture    7. Professional sports    8. Social Science - Sociology    9. Social Studies - Sociology    10. Social aspects    11. Sports & Recreation - General    12. United States   

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    2. Juvenile Nonfiction    3. Social Science - General    4. Social Science - Politics & Government    5. Citizenship    6. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Science / General   

Reviews (2)

Beautiful! A great gift!
My son and I were recently in a museum store and spotted this.We were attracted by the great artwork, but when we got it home we were also thrilled to find it so well-written and informative.Now my son wants togive them as Christmas presents -- very classy!

These are very cool! Students of ancient Greece love them.
As a 6th grade teacher who teaches Greek mythology, I found these were very useful in providing the background information on the Greek gods. They also have some really neat artwork. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. General    3. Reference    4. Social Science - Folklore & Mythology    5. Study Guides    6. Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Science / Folklore & Mythology    7. Myths & mythology