Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
Remarkable Women: Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Amazing Women!
‘Remarkable Women: Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Amazing Women!’ is a very engaging read which challenges readers to question things they thought they knew about women in history. After all, everyone knows that women in history stayed home and avoided adventure and that men pioneered all the scientific breakthroughs, but as this fascinating book shows- oh, no they didn’t!
Starting with ‘Legends’, the book looks at the misconceptions around the role of women in different areas including creatives, superstars and trailblazers. By presenting information in an engaging, chatty, light-hearted style, the serious message the book carries is very successfully conveyed. The ‘did you know…’ sections are sure to be quoted by children seeking to challenge the adults around them and share what they have discovered.
The book is a real gift to teachers who could chose to use sections as the basis for an assembly, discussion time or to challenge something in connection with a particular area of the curriculum and the concise sections also lend themselves to guided reading sessions. A useful world map at the end of the book shows where the women highlighted in the book were born whilst a timeline places them chronologically in history by their date of birth (where this is known).
Nature: Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About the Natural World! is also available in this series.
Oh No They Didn’t Remarkable Women:
Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Amazing Women!
Eric Huang, illustrated by Sam Caldwell
Quarto ISBN; 978-0711292888
Tales of Ancient Worlds: Adventures in Archaeology
Bringing the world of the archaeologist to life, ‘Tales of the Ancient World’ is sure to bring out the Indiana Jones in every reader! Starting with an explanation of what archaeology is, the enthusiasm of the author, Stefan Milosavljevich, is infectious as he leads the reader through some incredible discoveries from the ancient world made by archaeologists.
‘Tales of Ancient Worlds’ covers many areas focused on in the history curriculum for KS2- the Stone Age, the Maya, the Indus Valley and Ancient Egypt amongst others- offering additional interest and details for children to discover. It would be a great addition to book corners, libraries or topic boxes, enabling children to explore different discoveries and to inspire archaeologists of the future or to spark an interest in a new area.
The book offers a fascinating mix of well known finds such as the terracotta warriors and Stonehenge with lesser known stories like the warrior of Bover or the city at the bottom of the ocean, Thonis-Heracleion. The discovery of each site is explained and changes in archaeological methods explored, acknowledging mistakes of the past and the importance of combining local knowledge with scientific methods.
Written in a chatty, accessible style, ‘Tales of Ancient Worlds’ also has a clear glossary of terms, a detailed index and contents, making it easy to locate information on particular topics. Each spread is fully illustrated with drawings by Sam Caldwell, including maps showing where in the world the discoveries were made.
Need to get this into school as soon as possible!
Tales of Ancient Worlds: Adventures in Archaeology
Stefan Milosavljevich, illustrated by Sam Caldwell
Neon Squid ISBN: 978-1838991562