Lindsay (1706 KP) rated Colton's Time Machine: Jefferson, Adams, Franklin (Book #3) in Books
Aug 28, 2021
Colton and his friends go on adventures to meet three historical figures. Each one is detailed and done well. Children will learn a bit of history about Thomas Jefferson, John Adam, and Benjamin Franklin. The way Colton deals with some of the antics the dragons do. It is enjoyable and teachable to any child or children. Children will be smiling and learning history lessons through the book; Not all but some American critical historical events.
Each chapter is separated for each prominent historical figure. The pictures are bright and fun to look at. It seems like Colton is teaching some dragons about sharing and asking to use things. There seem to be some life lessons through the book as well as some history.
Teachers and parents alike will want to add this series to their classroom or even their child or children's bookshelves. This series is a spin-off to Colton's Pocket Dragons. Suitable for children to learn about American history and the importance of democracy.
The story is told by Bullheaded Black, the horse of Alexander the Great, or Alex as the horse calls him. It covers the basic history of the life and triumphs of Alexander from a young boy and even includes some overarching history to help the reader grasp the overall history of the era and the other ancient peoples involved in the tale.
I have always been taught to be honest, and that is exactly what I will do, I felt this style of writing, at times, oversimplified the history. Now, I think I find that less appealing as I am an avid reader of history books of a much more detailed level, however, for the target audience, I feel it was pitched quite well. The history covered is interestingly put to the reader and is well described in context, which I think helps you absorb more of the history.
It was quite slow to get going, and never really gained a great pace, however I would find this very useful as a classroom text to introduce this era of history to any child over about 7 years old as it is at a level that they could understand. Also, the novelty of using the horse to tell the story is something that I feel would appeal to the intended audience, perhaps a little more than it did to me!
Overall, this is a good book for younger children and teenagers to learn about history in a fun and interesting way. It is written in a very different style to the author's other works I have read, which only goes to show his versatility in writing for the adult and children's market! Despite the apparently low rating, 3 stars means I liked it, and I would recommend it to younger readers, and to my teaching friends who are looking for some interesting historical fiction to assist their own knowledge, and to engage the children in a fantastic era of history.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) shared Books Editor 's list
Oct 2, 2017
At the start of the month dedicated to African American history, here’s The Guardian's rundown of what to read, including Paul Beatty and Octavia Butler.
The Woman Next Door
6.0
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Hortensia James and Marion Agostino are neighbours. One is black, one white. Both are successful...
Kill 'Em and Leave: Searching for the Real James Brown
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The definitive biography of the soul legend James Brown by National Book Award-winning novelist...
The Sellout
9.0
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'Outrageous, hilarious and profound.' Simon Schama, Financial Times 'The longer you stare at...
The Hate u Give
8.4
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A powerful and brave YA novel about what prejudice looks like in the 21st century. Sixteen-year-old...
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Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin
Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton
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On February 26th 2012 seventeen-year-old Trayvon Martin was walking home with a bag of Skittles and...
and 5 other items
Erika (17788 KP) rated The Man in the High Castle in Books
Aug 11, 2017
Adam Savage recommended Snow Crash in Books (curated)
This most recent Philbrick book examines the complicated nature of the relationship between the French military leadership, and the struggling Continental army, lead by Washington. There were definitely aspects that I hadn't considered before, and it made for an engaging read.