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The Story of the World
History for the Classical Child
Revised Edition
Volume 1: Ancient Times
From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor
by Susan Wise Bauer
History's not my subject, and ancient history least of all. But I'm afterschooling my kid, and this book looks like a good pick.
It reads in story form, with a cozy tone you can curl right up to. Starting sensibly with a discussion of why archeology is so important for revealing ancient history knowledge, it plunges in quickly to nomadic times.
But not without a connection to the reader. Each chapter starts with a thought-provoking question or a jog of the memory, and then sweeps up the student into the next phase of times long ago.
Having a weak history background, I never really pondered before how much artifacts and early writings mean to the construction of ancient history.
But this author paints artifacts with lively descriptions, leading the reader to value them for the secrets they reveal.
Wrapping up with the end of Rome, the reader is left with a revelation of some Latin words he probably didn't know he knew, including the meaning of the P.S. at the end of a letter.
From the Egyptian battles for power to the atrocities (toned down) of Attila the Hun, there's nothing text-bookish about The Story of the World.
A book for depressed kids? Sounds like a bright idea from some detached ivory tower "expert." But who, in heaven's name, would actually read it?
I would have, had I been such a kid. With its appealing over-sized type, it begins this way, "I know some of you would rather be doing just about anything other than reading this right now. in fact, I'll bet that some of you aren't actually reading. You're just sitting there with the book open, pretending to read. Yes I know that old trick..."
Had I been between 9 and 12 and struggling with self-esteem or depression, I would have been hooked.
Then the author strikes a deal with his reader, offering four credible promises that seal the deal of honesty and trust; one of those promises: if you keep reading, you will continue to hate your homework.
Based on the CBT model (Cognitive-behavioral therapy), this delightful kids' book brings a level of humanness and reasonableness from the page to the frustrated child. After all, when you're a kid and you're depressed, you're frustrated. No kid wants to suffer so.
According to WebMD, CBT is "a type of counseling that focuses on modifying certain thoughts and behavior patterns to control the symptoms of a condition. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is used to treat a variety of problems, including stress, depression, anxiety and panic disorders, eating disorders, ongoing (chronic) pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome."
Indeed, CBT, in one of its earliest forms developed by Albert Ellis and dubbed Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, has been used in a wide range of venues as an alternative to the more emotion-based, long-term psychoanalytic approach that may be more familiar to adults but less accessible for kids.
Why does it work? Because it appeals to the rational mind. The human mind longs to rise above the entrapment of its own distorted beliefs about self. And for kids, the method is quick and present-day. CBT is an effective and efficient tool for moving forward in one's life with greater clarity of thought and therefore greater access to joy.
No affront intended, but you'd never know the author has a PhD. In this case, that's good news. The tone of the book projects an image of Dr. Wilde crouching down on bended knee, softly smiling, sharing his heart with his reader eye to eye.
Jerry Wilde walks his befriended reader through a simple, clear explanation of the symptoms of depression, the reasons for it, and what to do. He offers practical advice and mental tools that actually work.
Want to know what an alligator thought is? Read it yourself first before giving it away to a deserving child.
Only 72 pages long, including a handy index, this book begs to burrow its way into the life of a sad child desperate for a lifeline, and find its way under the bed covers with a flashlight for some late-night reading.
Therapists, parents, and even teachers could brighten a child's world with a gift of this book. This reviewer will donate her copy to the local school library.
In spite of a somewhat uncontrolled vocabulary that might prove challenging for a few readers, this book has earned five stars.
Want to read something for adults? Try Three Minute Therapy: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life
Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College, 2E
This book for teens entering college comes packaged remarkably like a blog or a well-designed web site, with small, digestible chunks of good sound bites--perfect for the multi-tasking generation.
This is a handy guide to college issues crossing the spectrum, but not in a surface kind of way, nor from the voice of a distant professional. It's written in all its glorious detail and anecdotes from the point of view of an author not much older than its readers.
And it works. With its mix of tips, stories, personal quotes, and wise advice, this book achieves its aim to allay fears, provoke deep thought, and lead gently to prudent decision-making like no parent can for a young adult on the brink of college.
From barbecues to bipolar disorder, from technology to thank you cards, the robust index simulates a Google search nicely. Any student surviving the technology age with an ability to read will appreciate its likeness to a computer, both in accessibility and format.
One warning--if you're seeking a book to reinforce conservative or religious morals regarding such things as sexuality, this may not be the book of choice; its flavor is more of that of personal values clarification. However, it is this reviewer's opinion that students of this age already own their values, regardless of your book of choice.
This book gets five stars.
