The A to Z of Everyday Things

by Janice Weaver, Francis Blake (Illustrations)

• Why are Americans superstitious about two-dollar bills?
• Why do we have twelve months in a year instead of ten, or six, or even twenty?
• Why do we celebrate foolishness on the first day of April?
• Why is yawning contagious?
• Why is the number thirteen considered to be unlucky in so many different cultures?

The A to Z of Everyday Things tells the surprising stories behind twenty-six seemingly ordinary objects and activities. From calendars and money to tulips and sideburns, this book uses commonplace items to explore the rich but often overlooked cultural history of our everyday lives. In the end, The A to Z of Everyday Things offers us a picture of modern life and how we got here in a funny, quirky, and highly readable form.

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 9, 2004

About the author

JANICE WEAVER is a highly respected editor and the author of several acclaimed works of nonfiction for young people. Building America and From Head to Toe: Bound Feet, Bathing Suits, and Other Bizarre and Beautiful Things were each named Notable Books by the International Reading Association. From Head to Toe was also a finalist for both the Rocky Mountain Book Award and the Ontario Library Association's Red Maple Award. She is also the author of Mirror with a Memory: A Nation's Story in Photographs. Janice Weaver enjoys sailing near her home in Toronto, Ontario.

Reviews

[Heidi]

This short book explores the origins of everyday terms and traditions that we often take for granted. In it you can learn factual tidbits like why yawns are contagious, why our calendar has 12 months, and why human kiss. I felt that some of the topics were a little under researched, but I found it enjoyable nonetheless. This is the perfect book for a quick summer beach read.

[OCLS]

This short book explores the origins of everyday terms and traditions that we often take for granted. In it you can learn factual tidbits like why yawns are contagious, why our calendar has 12 months, and why humans kiss. This is the perfect book for a quick summer read.

Available from OCLS HERE

[Marli]

This was a great book with just enough information about each topic to be interesting without being too wordy. I enjoyed it.