An engaging, alternative history of the world for children, which helps to make sense of today.
The present can loom very large in a child’s mind: all the crises and challenges of the modern world can feel overwhelming and at times dispiriting. This book is a big history of the world, from the beginnings of the universe to now, which places the reader at its centre. It encourages them to think about how and why they experience the world as they do and offers a helpful perspective by placing their thoughts and feelings in the context of our history and evolution.
Big Ideas From History is an immense story of what has happened through time that speaks personally and constructively to a growing mind. What might the dinosaurs or the ancient Egyptians, the Aztec warriors or the Enlightenment thinkers of the 18th century tell us that could be interesting and useful to hear now? The insights we need are scattered in time and place, waiting to be discovered.
The book also looks to the future and asks the reader to imagine a world they would like to live in. What might they learn from self-knowledge? How can they grow, develop and create their own place in history? It is a thoughtful and inspiring introduction to the world around us, which encourages the child to engage with themselves and others through history.
What people are saying about Big Ideas from History:
'Thorough, in-depth, enticingly illustrated and thought-provoking... the perfect ‘big’ book present for a curious upper primary or lower secondary-aged child.' School Reading List
'This book is ideal for a classroom, library or as a very special gift. Starting with prehistory and moving through the ages to the future, it is a book which presents information in a very easy-to-read way to help children develop an understanding of the world.' The Scotsman
'A book that turns history into a helpmate for young people.' Love Reading for Kids
'The School of Life comprises people from all over the world and it really shows here - the writing offers a variety of opinions presented with sensitivity and inclusivity.' The Little Literary Society.