Made in China: Ideas and Inventions from Ancient China

by Suzanne Williams, Andrea Fong (Illustrator)

Describes the discoveries and inventions of the ancient Chinese from four thousand years ago through the sixteenth century, and explains how they effected Chinese society

Genres: History

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

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Reviews

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This interesting and educational book covers the innovations of Chinese culture, including history, inventions, art, astronomy, trade, mathematics, and medicine among other areas of advancement.

Covering ancient China through the European entree into China in the late 1500s, each page features one topic with a side bar of some sort. The line drawings are engaging, the text concise, informative and just the right length. While a lower elementary student will struggle with a more text based presentation, this presentation is perfect for upper elementary, or even junior high students, though the adults around here are fascinated by it as well.

A best of the best homeschool library keeper!

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great introductory overview of Chinese history and inventions. This book talks not just about ideas and inventions from China, but also briefly discusses the changing Dynasties, providing context.

There were some inventions left out that I would have liked to see included, for example Fireworks, but the things touched upon were done in an accessible, child friendly way. I felt like each topic was explained well enough to understand despite not using more than a few paragraphs each. There are side notes that go more in detail as well, which I found interesting to read.

My biggest complaint was that sometimes the writing was a little jarring. This book is written for children and is written for them to understand. However, certain sentences just weren't written well, or weren't necessary and made the book seem a little condescending... Idk. I'm not quite sure how to explain what I mean.

[Laura The Book Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Educational, children's book about ancient China. Excellent read. I learned a lot.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learning about a new culture is exciting! Seeing and exploring new inventions and ideas that are made in another culture challenges other cultures. Challenges are good for thinking new ideas and inventions! Who doesn't love a good challenge?

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific book. Each idea/invention is handled in one or two pages. I could see having each group take one of the idea/invention and then sharing with the rest of the class.

[Teri · Rating 1 out of 5]

nice idea--terribly written.