NONFICTION

The Middle Ages: New Conquests and Dynasties

by John FARDON
9781512459722. ea vol: illus. by Christian Cornia. 32p. (Human History Timeline). further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Hungry Tomato. Apr. 2018. lib. ed. $26.65.
COPY ISBN
Gr 5–8—Employing stereotypical cartoon drawings and maps, this series relates the history of the world chronologically through a Western lens. The books are littered with inaccuracies and perpetuates racist viewpoints: "Although we humans began in Africa, much of Africa stayed prehistoric," "the real beginning of Brazil" (referencing the 1693 gold rush), or that the land in what is currently Australia "could not be farmed until 250 years ago, when Europeans arrived with crops and domestic animals." Throughout, people of color are regularly depicted with weapons and in loin cloths, and the tone is flippant and lacks cultural sensitivity.
VERDICT Librarians would do better to look elsewhere.
Reviewed by Staff , Apr 01, 2018

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