History Is Inventive

by Brooke Knight

A children’s book by Honest History exploring inventions (and their inventors) that changed the world. Discover the true stories behind amazing creations, from the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient analogue computer, to the Baghdad Battery. Learn about each invention through well-researched content accompanied by beautiful illustrations and design. Not only will kids learn about these amazing inventions, they will participate in the original creative process themselves, like building a telescope using the same rudimentary methods used by the inventors. From ancient to modern inventions, kids will learn about the revolutionary ideas and processes used to create the foundation for our modern lives. Featured sections of the book include including the Baghdad Battery, Inventions from the Classic Period & Middle Ages including the telescope, Inventions from the Modern Era including Bluetooth technology, Famous Inventors like Charles Drew, Experiments/Activities, and more. History for kids has never contained more adventure than in the new series by Honest History, History Is ________. Each book in the series presents a topic in a fun, engaging way that inspires kids to make a positive impact on history themselves. Dive into the world of Honest History with the first two books, History Is Inventive and History Is Delicious.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Historical, Middle Grade

80 pages, Hardcover

Published August 10, 2021

Reviews

[Rosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book comes to us from the Honest History publishing company, and it sure does live up to its name!
The content seeks to provide us with the honest history behind many popular inventions and the persons to whom these have been attributed. It proves the point that a single person cannot be considered an inventor as every invention relies partially or greatly on some earlier invention or thought. It offers a very different look at the past. The book covers many inventions from various historical periods, right up to the modern technological age. Considering that the book is aimed at middle-grade readers, the content seems quite age-appropriate. The content is a little text-heavy, so it might be better to read it in small doses rather than going for it cover to cover. The trivia scattered throughout the book helps in breaking the intensity. The “Thinking It Over” section is also a great addition as it contains thought-provoking questions related to the write-up for children to ponder over.
Thank you, NetGalley and Honest History, for the Advanced Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.



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[Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish this book had existed back when I was a young historian! It's refreshing to have the layers peeled back on history, specifically in this case the history of inventions, and learn the real origins. I'm hoping this trend continues and follows into school curriculums. Recommended!

This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

With thanks to NetGalley and Honest History for an early copy in return for an honest review.

Overall, I liked this book. I teach a unit on inventors and inventions with my 4th grade class and this would be a helpful resource to offer my students. There was a wide range of inventions included which I think will appeal to a wide group of readers. I do think some of the information could have been a bit more specific. For example, the mentioned time periods could have included the actual years of those time periods for a better frame of reference. But overall, a helpful resource for kids interested in learning more about how things got there start.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you seen Honest History pop up on your Instagram feed? Their tagline is, "a magazine for young historians." I know that if this had existed when I was a kid, I would have read every issue cover to cover!

When I saw that a book had been released by Honest History I immediately requested a preview. History is Inventive does a deeper dive into the stories of several of the famous inventors and really lays out the complexity of that invention. (Spoiler ______ invented the _______ is never the whole story.) Knight pulls from a wide breadth of history and picks topics that will interest a wide variety of children. Surgery? Makeup? The telescope? Alternating current? All are discussed and each passage includes unique details that I've not seen elsewhere. If anything, this book will make kids want to know more about many of the topics, and do some more investigation on their own!

I'm also a sucker for well done graphic design and the layout of this book is quite appealing also. This book is perfect for a curious kid.

[Sarah]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-Arc of History is Inventive.

This book is short enough and sectioned in a way to make it interesting for those with shorter attention spans. It is a great way to learn about different inventions through history. I could see this being a great way for students to choose different inventions and Knight includes interesting ways to get students thinking at the end of each invention.

I enjoyed reading through this book and it was a quick enough read for an adult. It gave lots of information and information that might challenge students understanding of certain inventions. I liked the fact that Knight didn't shy away from talking about how some inventors struggled with recognition for what they did and also gives thought provoking questions to either be answered or thought about at the end of each invention.

I think this would be a great addition to a library or classroom library.

[Kathleen Garber · Rating 5 out of 5]

These history books for kids are interesting enough to read and so chock full of information that adults can enjoy them too. They are very colourful and the fonts are bigger so kids can read it easier.

I especially like that this book, which is about inventions, covers inventions that aren’t talked about as often instead of just rehashing the same ones over and over. You’ll find out about makeup, surgery, calendars and high heels.

The illustrations by Sophy Smith are perfect. The people and items look realistic enough to know what they are but are simple enough for the book.

At the end of each section is a Thinking It Over section with two questions to think about. They can be skipped if the reader wants or they can be used as reflection on the topic.

We will be using these books in our homeschool so we will be doing the reflection questions aloud.

[Pamela Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a homeschooling mama of five and we love history!! This book is incredibly informative, beautiful and very interesting! It teaches us the history behind many popular inventions and their inventors. My children & I found that it was completely age-appropriate (geared for those ages 8 - 13). We loved the trivia scattered throughout the book and the “Thinking It Over” section was wonderful, as well.

If you and your children love history then you’ll love this book!

** Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review! **

#PamelaReads2021 #100BooksIn2021 #HistoryIsInventive #HonestHistory #NetGalley

[AcademicEditor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read another book from this publisher that was really problematic (History Is Delicious), so my hopes weren't high for this one, but I was pleasantly surprised! This book feels a lot more age-appropriate and less culturally stereotyped. It doesn't shy away from the worse sides of history, though, such as the US invasion of Iraq and the looting of museums. The price point of the book is a bit high, and some of the inventors and inventions might be covered elsewhere in your child's curriculum, but overall, it's a solid book.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good read, but I didn’t care for it as much as the food book in this series.

I was hoping for a clearer organization of time periods and topics.

One thing I really loved is the Thinking It Over sections to spur critical thinking and discussion.

I received an advance e-copy from the publisher and NetGalley, and I am curious about the size and feel of the physical book. I suspect that might improve my reading experience.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this book, with its many histories and interesting facts. From some famous ones we might already know, like the history of gunpowder, but also new ones like the first surgeon who recorded how we supposedly heal people through surgical method.

And even how Monopoly game was invented.

When you are curious about how stuffs were made, this book is one to pore over,

[CR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another inventive book for kids to enjoy! I know I loved it! These are easy to follow and understand and I can't wait for more. I loved how color this one was and how much information it gives you.