THIS WEEK AT THE LIBRARY
Time travel may be a handy plot device
for the fantasy fiction writer, but nonfiction writers can offer the “real
deal” to their readers. Reading to learn offers many opportunities for
armchair time travel! You only have to look at some of the latest nonfiction now
available at the library, especially for young students, to see what we mean.
People of the Nile is a
fascinating survey of the life and times of the ancient Egyptians by Don Nardo.
This well-illustrated series gives the reader a “historical perspective
and comprehensive picture of the cultural, political, and social events” of
that era. Nardo has used numerous
primary and secondary sources, all fully documented, that add greatly to the
“you-are-there” feeling.
Secrets of the Sphinx by James
Cross Giblin takes the reader back in time to explore the mystery surrounding
the Great Sphinx of Egypt. The
Sphinx is one of the largest sculptures in the world today and has stood guard
of the pyramids of Egypt’s Giza Plateau for 4500 years.
Giblin’s exciting account is enhanced by vivid artwork that helps bring
this historic drama to life for the reader.
Medieval
World
is another series that makes reading to learn armchair time travel via a
well-written, well-illustrated book. The
series covers a wide variety of topics—from town life to health and medicine.
Telling details in numerous sidebars help expand the reader’s understanding of
the times.
You are definitely have a bird’s eye
view of the life and times in You Wouldn’t Want to Be a Medieval Knight! (or
Armor You’d Rather Not Wear) by Fiona Macdonald.
Macdonald’s informative “job description” doesn’t miss a
thing—from “time to start training to “coping on crusade,” “surviving
a siege,” and “don’t fall off your horse!”
Milton Meltzer is another gifted author
who has written over 100 books for young people and adults, primarily in the
fields of history, biography, and social issues.
Meltzer relates the story of the development of the railroad and its
impact on our history in his latest book, Hear That Train Whistle Blow! How
the Railroad Changed the World. This
book is sure to gain him another award.
While young students are target audience for these books, they can also provide a busy adult with a quick and easy way to gain useful background knowledge for a better understanding of current events and issues. Armchair time travel is exciting and easy for any age—check it out, at the library.