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Who Was . . . ? Series
Who Was Genghis Khan?
Named Temujin at birth by his nomadic family in early Mongolia, the great Genghis Khan used his skill and cunning to create the Mongol Empire and conquer almost the entire continent of Asia. As ruler of the largest empire in human history, he was as respected as he was feared. Learn more about the man and the legend in Who Was Genghis Khan?
112 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 2014
188 people are currently reading
543 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
April 1, 2017
WOW, awesome book!
This is filled with so much information about this determined man, wow, I only knew about 1 percent of the info before reading this great book. This book has lots of detail and great art. Great job.
This is filled with so much information about this determined man, wow, I only knew about 1 percent of the info before reading this great book. This book has lots of detail and great art. Great job.
September 6, 2021
The Mongol army was nothing without their horses. They traveled entirely on horseback, swiftly and efficiently. Extra horses were brought to be milked, eaten, or ridden when other horses grew tired. If the men ran out of water, they drank horses’ blood.
الحصان: ارحموا أمي.
July 28, 2018
God bless the audiobooks. Just a few hours and then my listening in English is getting better and better. Re-read this book for the third time along with the audiobook.
December 5, 2024
Short book educational series, he united the tribes of Mongolia’s Steppe region around 1200 AD. It was the size of Texas with a million people and 20 million domesticated animals. It was the largest historical conquest at its time. He was brutal to his enemies but fair and peaceful to his people. Known for invading China for its riches; his sons expanded the empire to cover 1/4th of the earth.
June 6, 2017
This is a competent biography of someone who lived so long ago as to be the stuff of legend. Genghis Khan's culture was illiterate. However, he conquered areas that were literate and was bright enough to learn from the people he conquered. It seems that he had a strong ethical code and enforced it. It was a brutal code but not nearly as brutal as life had been up to his code. His kingdom continued and was expanded by his sons and possibly their sons, although the text doesn't say. One thing he learned was to use written language to spread fear of himself and his people, otherwise known as propaganda. Much of this book seems based on a transcript called The Secret History of the Mongols", which is a formerly lost transcript with an unknown author. The author candidly agrees no one knows what Genghis Khan looks like since he refused to have his likeness painted while alive.
This is a decent biography of someone who is still known throughout the world. The "Who Was..." has always been an excellent series.
This is a decent biography of someone who is still known throughout the world. The "Who Was..." has always been an excellent series.
July 3, 2025
Accessible, accurate, and impressive! I picked this up out of curiosity; how could someone make a children’s book on Genghis Khan? Would it sugar coat things? Would the authors pick a side?
The authors did excellent research and consolidated Temujin’s biography into a few short and well illustrated pages, while letting the reader decide the character of Temujin. A simple but impressive bibliography is provided for those who want to learn more. Although the authors may have left out violent and exciting anecdotes that we love to share (war tactics, the whole wrath of God thing), they pulled no punches in recording brutality (without graphic depictions) while still giving credit to the most morally challenging figure in history. Temujin is depicted as a forward thinking progressive ruler, but certainly still barbaric.
Beyond the success of condensing this complex biography to a short read, I was particularly impressed by the authors’ implementation of common historical misconceptions and subtleties: namely the success of ancient propaganda in spreading false information all the way to the present, and even dropping “Chinggis Khan.”
This was my first read from the Who was…? series; I am looking forward to reading more and showcasing them in my middle school classroom. Now when my students ask “why do you like Genghis Khan so much?” I can give them a short and easy read that will get them as hooked as I am. Good as a quick read for adults too!
The authors did excellent research and consolidated Temujin’s biography into a few short and well illustrated pages, while letting the reader decide the character of Temujin. A simple but impressive bibliography is provided for those who want to learn more. Although the authors may have left out violent and exciting anecdotes that we love to share (war tactics, the whole wrath of God thing), they pulled no punches in recording brutality (without graphic depictions) while still giving credit to the most morally challenging figure in history. Temujin is depicted as a forward thinking progressive ruler, but certainly still barbaric.
Beyond the success of condensing this complex biography to a short read, I was particularly impressed by the authors’ implementation of common historical misconceptions and subtleties: namely the success of ancient propaganda in spreading false information all the way to the present, and even dropping “Chinggis Khan.”
This was my first read from the Who was…? series; I am looking forward to reading more and showcasing them in my middle school classroom. Now when my students ask “why do you like Genghis Khan so much?” I can give them a short and easy read that will get them as hooked as I am. Good as a quick read for adults too!
January 12, 2017
A nicely illustrated and pretty detailed book. Useful.
November 4, 2017
This is such a good book, I love it.
Genghis Khan is fearless and has tactics.
He treated his people right and was reasonable with slaves. He allowed freedom of religion.
He was intelligent to put hunting seasons so that baby animals can grow.
He was not greedy as many of our African leaders today; he shared the wealth.
Of course, all these things doesn't make him a saint. He was a killer, but that's what people of those times did to survive.
Genghis Khan is fearless and has tactics.
He treated his people right and was reasonable with slaves. He allowed freedom of religion.
He was intelligent to put hunting seasons so that baby animals can grow.
He was not greedy as many of our African leaders today; he shared the wealth.
Of course, all these things doesn't make him a saint. He was a killer, but that's what people of those times did to survive.
April 1, 2020
This was the most violent read so far in the "Who Was" series. It's a great overview. And it reminds me of one of my favorite comics where young Genghis is disappointed about something and his mom reminds him he's Ghengis Khan not Ghengis Khan't.
April 27, 2018
Children's Biography
3rd-6th grade
Genghis Khan. I've heard this name and references to him but did not know much about him. The biography starts in 1179 and drops us right into the action of when Temujin (not yet Genghis Khan) and his wife experience a life changing event. We go back in time to get his background as a child and then are thrust forward into this ancient legend. Temujin's life is extraordinary from his resourcefulness and the dramatic battle for resources and survival. As the plot goes on, the biography stalls a bit and becomes very complex and hard to follow. It is an interesting overview of his very complicated life. As a former ancient history teacher, this biography addresses the contrasting nature of ancient times. For example, Khan is kind and fair to his slaves but also has no problem murdering and looting.
This is part of the "Who was..." series. The cover is attractive in a modern bobble head style portrait; Genghis Khan is dressed for battle on his tiny horse. The design choice is a modern nod to collectible toys. There are lots of illustrations, maps, and breakout text like "The Mongol War Machine" which gives more information on logistics of war and why they were so successful. This is beneficial to the reader because it is of a time period so far away and removed from modern life that it is hard to imagine. Even as an adult reading this, I needed the extra visuals to follow along. The print is large to grab the reader in a pseudo comic book style. I would recommend this book to students that are interested in history and war.
3rd-6th grade
Genghis Khan. I've heard this name and references to him but did not know much about him. The biography starts in 1179 and drops us right into the action of when Temujin (not yet Genghis Khan) and his wife experience a life changing event. We go back in time to get his background as a child and then are thrust forward into this ancient legend. Temujin's life is extraordinary from his resourcefulness and the dramatic battle for resources and survival. As the plot goes on, the biography stalls a bit and becomes very complex and hard to follow. It is an interesting overview of his very complicated life. As a former ancient history teacher, this biography addresses the contrasting nature of ancient times. For example, Khan is kind and fair to his slaves but also has no problem murdering and looting.
This is part of the "Who was..." series. The cover is attractive in a modern bobble head style portrait; Genghis Khan is dressed for battle on his tiny horse. The design choice is a modern nod to collectible toys. There are lots of illustrations, maps, and breakout text like "The Mongol War Machine" which gives more information on logistics of war and why they were so successful. This is beneficial to the reader because it is of a time period so far away and removed from modern life that it is hard to imagine. Even as an adult reading this, I needed the extra visuals to follow along. The print is large to grab the reader in a pseudo comic book style. I would recommend this book to students that are interested in history and war.
November 15, 2019
This series is phenomenal, of course. However this particular book is definitely a more mature read than most other Who Was books.
The reality is: Genghis Khan's life was full of rape, murder, kidnapping, and war. The book uses all of those terms multiple times, except rape. Although never explicitly stated or even alluded to, this book does subtly hint at the concept of rape, which will undoubtedly be difficult for children (whom these books are written for). Medina explains and reinforces clearly that Khan's wife, Borte, was kidnapped, and that his first son, Jochi, was likely the son of a Merkid tribe member. I have always been impressed with how this series of books explains difficult concepts in ways that children can understand while not compromising the honesty of the events. Khan's life seems to have proved a bit too difficult to strike that balance. I read a few reviews on Amazon of angry parents who weren't expecting such mature themes and illustrations, and my first reaction was that they were being a bit too sensitive. After reading, I one-hundred percent empathize with them.
While the other books in this series that I've read seem to be great for 3rd-5th graders, this is definitely a 5th-6th grade read; not because of its difficulty (it is still easy enough for young children to read and understand), but because of its subject matter. I still rate this book at 5 stars because it does not compromise honesty, which in my opinion is essential for teaching history, especially to younger people.
TL;DR--
Another great book for the series, but wait a couple years before handing it to a younger child.
The reality is: Genghis Khan's life was full of rape, murder, kidnapping, and war. The book uses all of those terms multiple times, except rape. Although never explicitly stated or even alluded to, this book does subtly hint at the concept of rape, which will undoubtedly be difficult for children (whom these books are written for). Medina explains and reinforces clearly that Khan's wife, Borte, was kidnapped, and that his first son, Jochi, was likely the son of a Merkid tribe member. I have always been impressed with how this series of books explains difficult concepts in ways that children can understand while not compromising the honesty of the events. Khan's life seems to have proved a bit too difficult to strike that balance. I read a few reviews on Amazon of angry parents who weren't expecting such mature themes and illustrations, and my first reaction was that they were being a bit too sensitive. After reading, I one-hundred percent empathize with them.
While the other books in this series that I've read seem to be great for 3rd-5th graders, this is definitely a 5th-6th grade read; not because of its difficulty (it is still easy enough for young children to read and understand), but because of its subject matter. I still rate this book at 5 stars because it does not compromise honesty, which in my opinion is essential for teaching history, especially to younger people.
TL;DR--
Another great book for the series, but wait a couple years before handing it to a younger child.
September 20, 2021
eponymous-ey sentence:
p7: He would become Genghis Khan, ruler of the Mongols, and conqueror of the largest land empire the world had ever known.
plot:
p12: The boys made fishing hooks out of sewing needles. They made arrows from wood and bone and made clothing from the skins of mice and dogs.
- This is a somewhat vague narrative concerning their tools. Present day needles are commonly made of steel. Is that what they also had? I suppose it should be made of bone, as in the next statement arrow were made of wood and bone. It would have been clearer to just say fishing hooks were made of bone if it was what was meant.
p23: This was called the "lake formation," because the men were like the waves of a lake--as soon as one line of soldiers disappeared, another stepped forward to take their place.
- I thought lakes were not supposed to have waves--without outside intervention, that is. Is this a situation like Thor being referred to as a Thunder God but is commonly associated with lightning instead? Also, disappeared to where?
p26: He also established mail service.
p27: At this time, no Mongol could read or write.
- I wonder what would constitute the bulk of the mail if nobody could read or write.
Another great conqueror whom I know little about. What I do know came from trivia regarding his somewhat lousy death and Douglas Adams' sci-fi rendition in The Private Life of Genghis Khan.
p7: He would become Genghis Khan, ruler of the Mongols, and conqueror of the largest land empire the world had ever known.
plot:
p12: The boys made fishing hooks out of sewing needles. They made arrows from wood and bone and made clothing from the skins of mice and dogs.
- This is a somewhat vague narrative concerning their tools. Present day needles are commonly made of steel. Is that what they also had? I suppose it should be made of bone, as in the next statement arrow were made of wood and bone. It would have been clearer to just say fishing hooks were made of bone if it was what was meant.
p23: This was called the "lake formation," because the men were like the waves of a lake--as soon as one line of soldiers disappeared, another stepped forward to take their place.
- I thought lakes were not supposed to have waves--without outside intervention, that is. Is this a situation like Thor being referred to as a Thunder God but is commonly associated with lightning instead? Also, disappeared to where?
p26: He also established mail service.
p27: At this time, no Mongol could read or write.
- I wonder what would constitute the bulk of the mail if nobody could read or write.
Another great conqueror whom I know little about. What I do know came from trivia regarding his somewhat lousy death and Douglas Adams' sci-fi rendition in The Private Life of Genghis Khan.
December 5, 2017
it was a good book with a lot of info
December 4, 2017
Before there was Game of Thrones, there was Genghis Kahn.
April 11, 2018
Brutal times, man.
April 29, 2020
Once I was able to make sense of the names and places I was very interested in this history. I didn't know anything about Genghis Khan besides the very basic, "conquering war lord, took over everything."
Genghis Khan was born after his father kidnapped his mother. (What a way to begin life!) Later, the tribe his mom was kidnapped from came back and kidnapped HIS wife as retribution. Genghis wasn't about to put up with that so he rode like the wind, got some allies, and took his wife back! Some people think that Genghis's first son was not his biological son because of this whole episode.
Thus began a life, of riding, warring, and making all the Mongols come into line. It was interesting because while there was a lot of bloodshed, like when he won against a competing tribe and killed all the men that were over a certain height (I think that meant he only kept children, it was a weird way the book worded it), there were some things he did that were more forward thinking. Unlike most, the tribes he conquered weren't made slaves. They just became members of the tribe. HE also had freedom of religion.
I left this book with a desire to learn more about this interesting character. What I got from this simple kid's book was that he was ruthlessly brilliant and a bit of a hothead.
I'm not sure my fifth graders will get this book. I had a hard time following all the places, names, and tribes and I at least have some background knowledge. Most of the fifth graders won't have any.
Genghis Khan was born after his father kidnapped his mother. (What a way to begin life!) Later, the tribe his mom was kidnapped from came back and kidnapped HIS wife as retribution. Genghis wasn't about to put up with that so he rode like the wind, got some allies, and took his wife back! Some people think that Genghis's first son was not his biological son because of this whole episode.
Thus began a life, of riding, warring, and making all the Mongols come into line. It was interesting because while there was a lot of bloodshed, like when he won against a competing tribe and killed all the men that were over a certain height (I think that meant he only kept children, it was a weird way the book worded it), there were some things he did that were more forward thinking. Unlike most, the tribes he conquered weren't made slaves. They just became members of the tribe. HE also had freedom of religion.
I left this book with a desire to learn more about this interesting character. What I got from this simple kid's book was that he was ruthlessly brilliant and a bit of a hothead.
I'm not sure my fifth graders will get this book. I had a hard time following all the places, names, and tribes and I at least have some background knowledge. Most of the fifth graders won't have any.
September 7, 2024
Book Review: Who Was Genghis Khan? (3 Stars)
"Who Was Genghis Khan?" is a fascinating journey through the life of one of history's most notorious figures, and while I'm not usually a fan of violent tales, this book offered a surprisingly engaging perspective on the Mongolian tribes and their rich history. The author skillfully navigates the complexities of Genghis Khan’s life, revealing not just the conqueror but also the man behind the legend, which made the reading experience more enjoyable than I anticipated. I appreciated how it delved into the cultural and social dynamics of the time, painting a vivid picture of the world in which he lived. Although some parts felt a bit heavy on the battles and conquests, I found it intriguing to learn how his leadership and strategies shaped the course of history. It’s like witnessing a historical soap opera where drama unfolds at every turn! While I can't say I’m now a Genghis Khan superfan, I did have fun learning about his impact, and it sparked a curiosity about the Mongolian culture that I didn’t expect. Overall, this book is an interesting read, even if it didn't completely win me over—definitely worth a glance for those wanting to understand the man behind the myth!
"Who Was Genghis Khan?" is a fascinating journey through the life of one of history's most notorious figures, and while I'm not usually a fan of violent tales, this book offered a surprisingly engaging perspective on the Mongolian tribes and their rich history. The author skillfully navigates the complexities of Genghis Khan’s life, revealing not just the conqueror but also the man behind the legend, which made the reading experience more enjoyable than I anticipated. I appreciated how it delved into the cultural and social dynamics of the time, painting a vivid picture of the world in which he lived. Although some parts felt a bit heavy on the battles and conquests, I found it intriguing to learn how his leadership and strategies shaped the course of history. It’s like witnessing a historical soap opera where drama unfolds at every turn! While I can't say I’m now a Genghis Khan superfan, I did have fun learning about his impact, and it sparked a curiosity about the Mongolian culture that I didn’t expect. Overall, this book is an interesting read, even if it didn't completely win me over—definitely worth a glance for those wanting to understand the man behind the myth!
June 15, 2019
We continue to read this nonfiction series together.
Daughter's review:
This book is very gruesome. There was a lot of raiding and stealing. There was also a lot of killing. I thought a lot of times, "Why would he do that?" or "Poor guy" and mostly "That's so cruel!" If you don't like stories that are violent, you probably won't want to read this book. But if you don't mind, then be ready for a story about a person who had way too many problems [In my onpion].
Mother's Review:
It had a slow start, but then the plethora of alliances and betrayals made for some excitement. We had a lot of shock surrounding how very violent that time was, and some gross practices. But, I found it interesting to learn about the tribes and kingdoms of the time. In error, I thought that Genghis Kahn ruled China. Again, my education is expanded through my daughter.
Daughter's review:
This book is very gruesome. There was a lot of raiding and stealing. There was also a lot of killing. I thought a lot of times, "Why would he do that?" or "Poor guy" and mostly "That's so cruel!" If you don't like stories that are violent, you probably won't want to read this book. But if you don't mind, then be ready for a story about a person who had way too many problems [In my onpion].
Mother's Review:
It had a slow start, but then the plethora of alliances and betrayals made for some excitement. We had a lot of shock surrounding how very violent that time was, and some gross practices. But, I found it interesting to learn about the tribes and kingdoms of the time. In error, I thought that Genghis Kahn ruled China. Again, my education is expanded through my daughter.
August 17, 2020
Favorite bit: when the author says, in essence, "Sure, he and his army killed millions of people, but look at these cool things that he did!" (he seems to have been more willing to share the wealth with his followers than some other raiding marauders have been; I can't remember the other things he did that jibe well with modern sensitivities.)
I just thought presenting the murder, rape and pillage of millions of people as "just a detail" was. . . hm.
Can we apply that same generosity of spirit to our founding fathers, some of whom owned slaves, but also gave the world the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the first functional republic in modern history and paving the way for unprecedented prosperity and liberty?
I just thought presenting the murder, rape and pillage of millions of people as "just a detail" was. . . hm.
Can we apply that same generosity of spirit to our founding fathers, some of whom owned slaves, but also gave the world the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the first functional republic in modern history and paving the way for unprecedented prosperity and liberty?
March 7, 2020
SO - I get this is a children's book but (Genghis Khan) Temujin was a Mongol warrior lord who harbored an ambitious hegemonic agenda. He conquered large areas of Asia during his reign as khan. Under his leadership, the Mongol army became a powerful fighting machine, cutting through huge swaths of territory and terrorizing the inhabitants of those lands.
Temujin's army was successful because it excelled in reconnaissance and psychological warfare. Temujin was merciless in the aftermath of any conflict; enemy men were summarily executed, while the women and children became the spoils of war.
Temujin's army was successful because it excelled in reconnaissance and psychological warfare. Temujin was merciless in the aftermath of any conflict; enemy men were summarily executed, while the women and children became the spoils of war.
January 1, 2021
This biography of Genghis Khan was concise and written for younger readers, but it was still factual and unable to completely tame the brutal, revengeful conquering of this world “leader” in the early 1200s. He unified Mongolia into an empire but he often used massacre-style intimidation to incorporate cultures.
I was impressed with some of the innovations that he brought to his country, especially the mail system, and he did establish the largest empire in human history while conquering most of the continent of Asia, but I failed to appreciate his methods or motivation, and thus his inclusion in this series.
I was impressed with some of the innovations that he brought to his country, especially the mail system, and he did establish the largest empire in human history while conquering most of the continent of Asia, but I failed to appreciate his methods or motivation, and thus his inclusion in this series.
November 21, 2018
106 pages. Great biography on a very powerful person from Asian history. I knew a little about him, but did not know all the background of his early life. That must have been a difficult time in history to survive and make a name for yourself in terms of leadership. I think it can get kind of brutal at times and younger kids might not be able to process it all. I would recommend it to high level 5th grade readers and above. Highly recommended.
December 21, 2019
The storyline follows much of the Mongolian Secret History book. The book written in a comic book style which makes it easy to follow for young readers. The added factsheets and the parallel reference to the timeline of events happening in the West vs Mongol Empire was an excellent way to imagine the times so long ago.
Art work is great in itself, although the people’s faces didn’t resemble much of ‘Mongol’ features.
Art work is great in itself, although the people’s faces didn’t resemble much of ‘Mongol’ features.
September 10, 2023
What an EXCELLENT book! As a book alone, it is thrilling like a movie or any Shakespeare tragedy. As a biography, it is extremely well researched and written. This book was written for a young intended audience, but it sometimes reveals and details the horrible war atrocities that were committed by Genghis Khan and others of the time period, it certainly doesn't stray away or sugar coat anything. I highly recommend this unbelievable biography of Genghis Khan.
May 7, 2018
I felt like other MG readers similar to this were better. This was sort of hard to follow, somehow, and I didn't feel like I had a good picture of Genghis Khan at the end. Well, I am not totally unfamiliar with him, but I think a kid reading this would still be very confused. Not a terrible book, but not as clear as I had hoped for a middle-grade reader.
February 24, 2021
This is a story of how a boy named Temujin became the great Genghis Khan. It took a lot of work getting the many tribes of Mongols organized into one group but eventually Temujin was able to accomplish this task. There is much to learn about his life and his war tactics as well as his method of government rule.
March 11, 2021
Thankful for the audio book. It is only about 1 hour and gives a fast and informational story about Genghis Khan. There are a few shocking parts with regard to violence and some slight graphic details but overall this is a good book in order to get a slightly deeper understanding of Genghis Khan, his culture and practices.
September 19, 2021
Interesting!
Singkat, padat, dan jelas. Wah I need more book about mongol nation. Apalagi Mongolia terkenal dengan perangnya tanda kutip, kejam. Jadi penasaran kalau dari sudut pandang Khwarizm empire ceritanya bagaimana ya.
Dan buku ini emang pasarnya anak-anak, jadi ya lumayan buat isi neuron saat luang
Singkat, padat, dan jelas. Wah I need more book about mongol nation. Apalagi Mongolia terkenal dengan perangnya tanda kutip, kejam. Jadi penasaran kalau dari sudut pandang Khwarizm empire ceritanya bagaimana ya.
Dan buku ini emang pasarnya anak-anak, jadi ya lumayan buat isi neuron saat luang
January 10, 2023
În mai puțin de o oră am terminat-o. Are 112 pagini, este micuță, scris mare și răsfirat și conține multe ilustrații.
Este o modalitate foarte ușoară de a parcurge viața lui Ginghis Han și a descoperi cum a cucerit o mare pare din Asia și a fondat Imperiului Mongol.
O bucată din istorie expusă prin simplitate și ilustrații, pe înțelesul tuturor. Foarte faină!
Este o modalitate foarte ușoară de a parcurge viața lui Ginghis Han și a descoperi cum a cucerit o mare pare din Asia și a fondat Imperiului Mongol.
O bucată din istorie expusă prin simplitate și ilustrații, pe înțelesul tuturor. Foarte faină!
November 13, 2017
Genghis Khan revolutionized the Mongolian world and made fair rules. I think that this is a pretty good book and explains Genghis Khan's life pretty well. I recommend this book to anyone who likes learning about important people.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews