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rachel_abby_reads's review
4.0
Lots of tidbits about history presented in infomatics format. Readable and interesting, and not a bad jumping off point for other learning.
For example: I am fascinated with the idea of a modern era Dark Age and Ruby Bridges.
A period is called "dark" because there isn't much information available about it. An internet developer has posited that many things will be lost as we store data on increasing obsolete formats and hardware: cassette tapes, floppy discs, etc. It's a bit alarmist, because we have lots of print media still, but if we are saving all of our letters and images in some digital format, and aren't upgrading that format as new technologies emerge, there is a legitimate risk it will all someday be inaccessible!
Ruby Bridges was the little girl chosen to be the symbol of desegregated education in the south. On her first day of school, she had an armed escort to the building. There were no teachers or other students (which I find appalling) and so school was cancelled.
On her second day, there was just her and one teacher (originally from Boston). By the end of the year, she was attending a small class with white children. There were more black students with her her second year, and much more diverse racial mix by the time she was 11. So many questions: how was she chosen? How did she feel? Were there people who wanted to proceed as normal and didn't for fear of their neighbors and what others might think? How did it affect her in the long run?
Anyway, it was a great way to get bits of information to interest and intrigue, from all points around the globe. And it's part of a series :-D. This is going on my "grandma book shelf."
For example: I am fascinated with the idea of a modern era Dark Age and Ruby Bridges.
A period is called "dark" because there isn't much information available about it. An internet developer has posited that many things will be lost as we store data on increasing obsolete formats and hardware: cassette tapes, floppy discs, etc. It's a bit alarmist, because we have lots of print media still, but if we are saving all of our letters and images in some digital format, and aren't upgrading that format as new technologies emerge, there is a legitimate risk it will all someday be inaccessible!
Ruby Bridges was the little girl chosen to be the symbol of desegregated education in the south. On her first day of school, she had an armed escort to the building. There were no teachers or other students (which I find appalling) and so school was cancelled.
On her second day, there was just her and one teacher (originally from Boston). By the end of the year, she was attending a small class with white children. There were more black students with her her second year, and much more diverse racial mix by the time she was 11. So many questions: how was she chosen? How did she feel? Were there people who wanted to proceed as normal and didn't for fear of their neighbors and what others might think? How did it affect her in the long run?
Anyway, it was a great way to get bits of information to interest and intrigue, from all points around the globe. And it's part of a series :-D. This is going on my "grandma book shelf."
stephb413's review
5.0
I don't know where to begin with all that outstanding qualities about this book. It colorfully presents information in a fascinating manner with lots of graphics consisting of images, timelines, charts, maps, etc. It has has historical topics from basically everywhere and works to clarify misconceptions. As a history teacher I'm not sure when I last saw such an excellent visual resource for young and old historians alike. My coffee table will have a copy for people to browse! Beyond highly recommended!
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