Children's History of the 20th Century (DK Millennium)

".....Featuring more than 3,500 Photograph, DK's Children's History of the 20th Century brings to life the people, Events, places, fashion, Discoveries, and popular culture that have shaped the last 100 years. Dramatic stories of special Interest to Children are told as if reported in a newspaper, and a PICTURE WITH EVERY STORY BRINGS HISTORY TO LIFE ON THE PAGE. * A comprehensive reference source for the millennium - month by month, year by year * Special features on major topics and events * More than 1,700 article and features * News as it happened [from the book of the back cover]

I bought this book for my 13yo son as a supplement to his 8th grade history. He ended up reading almost the whole book the first day it arrived, even though I planned to use it for several weeks. Since then, he has reread several sections, and really enjoys it. There is a lot of information in this book (as might be expected from a DK book.) Each year has at least a 2 page spread with lots of pictures and around 4 short articles. (These articles are interesting enough that not only my 11 & 13yo sons have read them, but I also was quite interested by many of them.) In addition, there is a short box at the bottom of the pages for the year with short headlines for other important events of the year, in medicine, sports, politics, entertainment, etc. Many years have 4-6 pages dedicated to them, instead of only 2. There are also introductory pages with features like what children of the past thought the late 20th/early 21st century would be like, what modern day children think are the best and worst things about the past century, children's thoughts and hopes for the 21st century, etc. Overall, this book is an excellent starting point for any child or teen wanting to know more about the 20th century. It is even a pretty good starting point for adults. (Teens and adults will want to find more books or other sources to learn more about their favorite eras/topics, however.)

Ages 8 and older will appreciate Children's History Of The 20thCentury, a fine reference which deserves ongoing recommendation as anexcellent history of modern times. Bright contemporary color photos blend with a timeline of 20th century leaders, events, and history in an exceptional coverage.

This is a beautifully designed book and will take readers on a lively and entertaining journey through the 20th century's events. Details are scant, but the photos make for a scrapbook effect. If you enjoy this book, then you should also look at Larry Dane Brimner's millennium book, The Official M & M's Book of the Millennium, which explains how we got to this point in time.