A review by kibbles15
The Story of Mankind by Robert Sullivan, Hendrik Willem Van Loon, John Merriman
challenging
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
I picked this book up due to the fact that I have a goal to eventually read all the Newberry Medal winners. This was listed as the first winner ever in 1922. When I got the book from the library, I apparently got the updated version which includes history after 1922 (added/updated by Robert Sullivan). I was expecting a much smaller book than the 800 page book I was now faced with. As a result, I felt rather intimidated and was second guessing my afore mentioned goal. That being said, I was able to get over that and eventually finished the book.
There is a lot of information in this book. As an adult, I found that there were some interesting well told "stories" of the history of the world; but over all it a bit overwhelming and and times a little dull. It was a little like reading a Middle-Grade World History textbook.
As I was reading this, I was trying to visualize my nieces/nephews reading this book. I couldn't do it. For the reason I listed above, this book seems a little difficult for children to read. There may be the occasional middle grade or high school child that might find the book interesting, but overall I don't see many kids being interested in this book.
There is a lot of information in this book. As an adult, I found that there were some interesting well told "stories" of the history of the world; but over all it a bit overwhelming and and times a little dull. It was a little like reading a Middle-Grade World History textbook.
As I was reading this, I was trying to visualize my nieces/nephews reading this book. I couldn't do it. For the reason I listed above, this book seems a little difficult for children to read. There may be the occasional middle grade or high school child that might find the book interesting, but overall I don't see many kids being interested in this book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide, Slavery, Violence, Racism, and War