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Rating: 
Summary: European history--but MUCH more
Review: I bought this book as a follow up to Ancient Times, the first volume in the series. That book was great--but this one is better. It covers a very complicated time of history in a simple, straightforward way that helps students makes connections between events all over the world--not just in Europe, but in the Americas before colonialism, in Africa, in Asia, in Australia. The author also talks about great works of literature and even retells some of them to give readers a little more insight into the times. We loved the story of Beowulf told in rhyming couplets! For the first time I have a good grasp of the order of events leading from the MIddle Ages into the Renaissance and Reformation--and my children are EXCITED about the study of history. Highly recommended. Can't wait for Volume Three.
Rating:
Summary: A great history book for young children
Review: Susan Wise Bauer has done it again. This book is a quick read for adults, but it is packed with information. The target audience is young children, after all it is "The Story of the World" and it doesn't bore young children. Our children often would rather hear the next chapter than go play. And sometimes I'll catch my oldest reading it on her own. The book does a good job of providing a balanced look at the major events during the Middle Ages. The book will focus on one area of the world, going over the major events, who was in charge, and who accomplished some of the important things, like discovering America. Then the book will move on to another part of the world for a couple chapters. Susan Wise Bauer did an excellent job of weaving in various parts of history. For example in talking about a culture the book might go into a major myth or story of the group. The variety in pacing flows nicely from history, to what it might have been like to live at the time in a given culture, to some of these myths, and then back again. This helps keep the children interested. The book is just right for young children. When they are young they don't need another 1000 pages of details most of us forget anyways. This book is written in such away that young children really want to listen, they want to know what happened, and then what will happen next. They can develop a love for history such that they'll go back and read in more detail about the parts of history they found interesting. If you are looking for a good book for young children covering the major events of world history during the Middle Ages, this is the best I've found.
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Summary: I learned as much as my kids!
Review: This series is FANTASTIC. I can't wait for Volumes 3 and 4 to come out! For anyone who hated history in school (as I did), this is a welcome change. I know it sounds cliche, but history really comes alive in Susan Wise Bauer's writing. We got the spiral version of the book, and we also got the Activity Book for it (in looseleaf, to put in a 3-ring binder), and have been thrilled with them. Everyone I've been able to show the books to has been blown away. Thanks, Mrs. Bauer, for writing such a great resource!
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