When on Earth?: History as You've Never Seen it Before!

Gr 6–9—The editors at DK have compiled a wealth of world history into a compact book. It is organized chronologically into four sections: the ancient, medieval, and modern world and the 20th and 21st centuries. Each section has an overview and a time line. Readers are invited to browse each two-page spread, which are filled with text boxes, photographs and illustrations, maps, and a high-interest fact along the bottom of the page. The inclusion of the early history of Pacific Islanders and the kingdoms of Africa and South America give Westernized readers a broader perspective of world history. Generalizations like "People in central Europe did not build cities, but they created beautiful objects from bronze," oversimplify, unfortunately. Additionally, many important 20th century happenings—the independence gained by African nations, immigration, and the rise of the global economy—are not included. There are no references listed, though on the acknowledgements page the editors thank those who provided information about the Aborigines and space exploration.