The Big Book of Useless History Knowledge: 250 of the Coolest, Weirdest, and Most Unbelievable History Facts You Won't Be Taught in School

by Neon Squid, Kay Wolfersperger, Liz Kay

An encyclopedia of mind-bogglingly random history facts that will lodge in your brain and refuse to leave.

The Big Book of Useless History Knowledge features music and special effects. Listen along and enjoy the fun!

Heard about King Henry II's polar bear that was allowed to swim in the River Thames? Or the Japanese soldier who refused to believe that WWII was over and continued to fight until the 1970s? Do you know which U. S. president was a champion wrestler before taking office?

In this compendium of obscure facts, listeners will be treated to baffling history knowledge they would never learn at school. Broken into chapters including royals and leaders, sports, and food, a team of experts has scoured the margins to find the silliest and most pointless history facts that the world has to offer.

Kids will meet characters like Wojtek the orphaned bear cub who was enlisted in the Polish army, discover which famous explorer used his own poop to help him escape during a blizzard, and learn why hot cross buns were believed to keep away evil spirits. They will also unearth completely useless information, including which U. S. city held a funeral for 30,000 pizzas.

( the information in this audiobook isn’t really useless. It will inspire, shock, and amuse the reader—and maybe spark an interest that will last a lifetime. It just won’t help you with any exams!)

A Macmillan Audio production from Neon Squid

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Middle Grade, Humor

Audible Audio

Published July 28, 2026

Reviews

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this audiobook fascinating. I would relisten to it. I do recommend listening in smaller timeframes to absorb all the fun facts. Great narrator. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ALC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thankful to have received complimentary access to the audiobook from Macmillan Audio via NetGalley, which introduced me to a collection of facts I never knew I needed in my life.

This was great! I think middle grade readers and beyond will absolutely devour this book. It’s packed with fascinating facts that most readers are unlikely to encounter elsewhere. They may be random, but they are endlessly interesting.

One aspect I particularly appreciated was the global scope. Rather than focusing on a single country or region, the book pulls facts from all over the world, making it both diverse and broadly relevant. That international perspective was further enhanced by the audiobook narration from Rebecca Ho. Her natural accent felt like the perfect match for a book that celebrates knowledge from across the globe. It took me a few minutes to place where her accent originated because it has a wonderfully universal quality to it. After a quick search, I learned that Ho is Vietnamese and Chinese Australian and now lives in New York City. Her narration was an excellent fit for this project.

While I enjoyed the audiobook, I also found myself wishing for a physical copy. This feels like the kind of book that belongs on a coffee table or classroom shelf, ready to be picked up whenever someone wants to learn something unexpected. As someone who loves collecting “useless” facts, I would happily keep this within arm’s reach.

Despite proudly calling itself a book of “useless” facts, there is actually very little here that is useless. Many of the entries serve as wonderful jumping-off points for deeper learning, while others highlight important but lesser-known moments in history, science, and culture.

This would be a fantastic addition to any middle school library and is sure to inspire plenty of curiosity long after the final page.

[Tucker Almengor · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review
★ 3.55 stars ★

It's hard to review a book such as this since it's a compilation of fun facts. There isn't much to review. The audio version of this was a treat. Filled with fun sound effects and passionately narrated by Rebecca Ho, it was a nice and interesting accompaniment on some errands.

As much as I enjoyed the audio, I am inclined to believe that the illustrated version of this may be the better medium as you can hop around, go back and forth and enjoy the facts with associated illustrations.

All in all, a fun and interesting quick read. I am now approximately 14% smarter.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ALC.

The Big Book of Useless History Knowledge is packed with short, fascinating facts that make history feel fun rather than intimidating. Covering everything from strange inventions to bizarre historical events, the book leans into the weird and unexpected side of the past. I found myself constantly saying, “Wait, what?” and immediately wanting to hear the next fact.

The audiobook format worked particularly well for this collection. The narrator brought energy and personality to the material, making even the most random pieces of information engaging. I also appreciated how the facts were grouped into themed sections rather than presented as one long list. That organization helped the book feel cohesive and made it easy to listen to in short bursts or longer sessions.

What surprised me most was how much I enjoyed it. This is the kind of book I might have overlooked in print, but the narration transformed it into a genuinely entertaining experience. While it’s clearly aimed at younger readers, I think adults who enjoy trivia, fun facts, or learning quirky bits of history would have just as much fun with it. The combination of strong narration, interesting organization, and genuinely surprising facts made this an easy 4.5⭐ for me.

Who Should Read/Listen?
Kids who love random facts, history-curious readers, trivia fans, classrooms, homeschool families, and adults who enjoy learning strange things they absolutely did not need to know but will immediately repeat to someone else.

[ashley and the never ending TBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

great listen while commuting

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Big Book of Useless History Knowledge: 250 of the Coolest, Weirdest, and Most Unbelievable History Facts You Won't Be Taught in School by Neon Squid (July 2026) [reading in June]
Useless Knowledge #3
2h 37m narrated by Rebecca Ho, 208 pages
ALC courtesy of Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Young Listeners and NetGalley

Genre: Children's Nonfiction, History, Humor

Rating as a movie: Y-7

Featuring: Music, Sound Effects, Royals and Leaders, Emotional Decisions, Intimidation, Pranks, Drama, Politics, Murder, Culture, Exploration, Wars, Places, Food, VIPs, Sports and Games

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟📜👑🪖🍌🖼🏀

My thoughts: This story was fun, and the information wasn't useless. I definitely plan on mentioning how Australia stole its name from Antarctica the next time I host a book club on a novel set there, although that's not exactly what happened. All in all, this was a very helpful and entertaining book, and it would shine in any children's library. I may read the other two books.

Recommend to others: Yes, especially if you're under 13.

Useless Knowledge
1. The Big Book of Useless Knowledge: 250 of the Coolest, Weirdest, and Most Unbelievable Facts You Won't Be Taught in School (2024)
2. The Big Book of Useless Science Knowledge: 250 of the Coolest, Weirdest, and Most Unbelievable Science Facts You Won't be Taught in School (2025)
3. The Big Book of Useless History Knowledge: 250 of the Coolest, Weirdest, and Most Unbelievable History Facts You Won't Be Taught in School (2026)

Songs for the soundtrack: "Jingle Bells" [originally titled] "The One Horse Open Sleigh" by James Lord Pierpont

Books and Authors mentioned: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy, Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne, The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen, The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen, Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler, William Shakespeare

[Meddings_Musings: Emlura M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a middle school social studies teacher who covers ancient civilizations, this was such a delightful read! I came away with so many facts I can’t wait to share with my students!

We’re wrapping up Mesopotamia and are getting ready to move into Egypt. Suffice it to say, I’m sure my students will find Pepi II’s method of keeping flies away from him quite interesting!

This was a FIVE STAR read for me because of all of the fascinating facts I learned as well! It seems so on brand for Nero to declare himself the winner of all of the Olympic events he participated in including using ten horses in a four horse chariot race.

I found it humorous when rabbits “attacked” Napoleon; adored again the story of how teddy bears became a beloved stuff animal due to former President Theodore Roosevelt; marveled at the fact Harriet Tubman chose to be awake during a surgery and use the method she’d seen many Civil War soldiers use - biting a bullet! As if her life wasn’t already one that showed remarkable bravery!

If you’re a history buff like me, I highly encourage you check this one out! Part of the reason I’m an educator is because, even as an adult, I love learning and I learned quite a bit today!

This has already released meaning it’s available now!

Thank you NetGalley, the many authors, Neon Squid and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this in exchange for a review. Twas a monumental delight 🤍✨

[Estelle T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun listen. Packed with obscure, surprising, and genuinely fascinating historical facts, it is the kind of book you tune into for five minutes and suddenly an hour has passed. I found myself repeatedly pausing to share tidbits out loud, which is always a good sign.

The chapters are well organized by theme, covering everything from royals and leaders to food and sport. Some of the facts are so strange and specific that you almost cannot believe they are real, and the narration made the whole experience even more enjoyable.

I enjoyed it so much that I will be getting a physical copy for the house as well. It would make a wonderful coffee table book or a gift for anyone with a curious mind and a love of history. You do not need to be a history buff to appreciate it. You just have to enjoy the kind of knowledge that makes you say "I cannot believe I never knew that." A solid four stars.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Angi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is fun and goofy, even in audiobook format. I had worried that I'd miss much of the book's impact without its illustrations, but the audiobook had a fun narrator and relevant sound effects (a horse neighing during a story with horses, or train sounds during a story about trains). Although some stories were unexpectedly dark, I enjoyed the goofy facts and shared some of them with friends. I had to look up a couple to confirm the veracity, and am grateful to know the publisher (Macmillan Audio) is large and reputable so I was comfortable trusting the accuracy of the rest. The facts include stories from all 7 continents and are inclusive of a range of humans. (When I was growing up, the vast majority of books centered on white men of European decent, and I love that this is no longer the case.) Even though the book is targeted for kids, I played it on a 3-hour drive with women aged 40-60 and all of us enjoyed it. Recommended.

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NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for a review expressing my personal opinions.

[Jules Poet · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Big Book of Useless History Knowledge
250 of the Coolest, Weirdest, and Most Unbelievable History Facts You Won't Be Taught in School
by Neon Squid
Narrated by Rebecca Ho

I received an ARC of this audiobook through Netgalley.

My favorite quote: “Find beauty in imperfection.”

Narrator Rebecca Ho was fabulous! Great narration!

There are so many interesting tidbits in this book! The most interesting ones to me were about the Tower of London menagerie and the polar bear who used to fish in the Thames!

Narration: *****
Chapter Titles: ****
Facts: *****
Musical interludes: ***

Some of the music was perfect, but many times it made actually listening to the facts difficult for me. It’s good music, just not all throughout the audiobook.

I recommend this audiobook to anyone. It’s interesting!

[Sarah W Bowers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Free copy courtesy of Netgalley and MacMillan audio.

I listened to the audiobook version of this and think a physical copy would probably be better if you wanted to retain more of the fun historical facts.
The audio version was good and I enjoyed the narrators and their Australian accents, but based on how it connects or doesn't connect what feels like a list of random facts together, it was hard to follow. If the audiobook chapters had names instead of just being in chronological order, it would be very helpful.
I would say that was my major problem with this book, the organization or lack of organization to anchor the historical facts.
However if you have a kid that is obsessed with those yearly almanacs of facts or the Guinness Book of world records, they will be happy to add this one to their collection.

[Julianne Harkleroad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook is a great addition to bedtime, quiet time, and car listening. Easy to jump back into, quick to learn from, and quite humorous at times, kids will want to be quiet so they can hear the next unbelievable fact! The narrator and sound effects keep the energy up and minds engaged as topics jump from one country and historical figure to another. I did not know 90% of the fun facts heard and only remember a few from one read through- can't wait to cue it up again! I do want to know how and why the didgeridoo helps people with sleep anemia...

Thank you to Macmillian Audio and NetGalley for this ARC!

[Kuu [semi-ia for china reasons] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ALC.

This was soooo fun. I loved the little audio that was always playing in the background and that really fit the vibe of the stories. The facts were short and simple enough to be understandable to children, while still being interesting even to adults. I also liked that there were facts about women, native people, and disabled people included, as these are frequently excluded from history. All the facts were so fun! Definitely recommend, also to adults that want a bit of ~whimsy~ in their life, as this book is just... fun to listen to, really. The production of the audiobook is amazing.

[Hannah Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ALC of this book!

This book was full of useless knowledge that I didn’t know I needed and thoroughly enjoyed adding to my random facts repertoire. If you’re looking for a good time and some big laughs, look no further! The illustrations paired with the fun facts were very informative while also adding some humor. I learned a few new things from this book about Napoleon, Teddy Roosevelt, King Henry and many more! My kids really enjoyed this and kept wanting to learn more facts as the book progressed!

[KELLY · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this audiobook and the 250 facts I never knew I needed to know! Each fact was fascinating, well-explained, and packed with interesting information that kept me engaged throughout. I'm looking forward to reading more books like this.

This was such a fun listen. I found myself listening in the car, on walks, and even while cleaning because it was both entertaining and educational. A great pick for anyone who enjoys learning new and surprising facts.

Thank you Neon Squid, Narration by Rebecca Ho, and Netgalley for the Audiobook!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance audiobook of The Big Book of Useless History Knowledge by Neon Squid.

This was a short, fun listen. The narration added to the entertainment.

I actually learned quite a lot from listening to this children's audiobook. This would be a perfect listen for a road trip. The whole family would have fun. I listened while I cleaned the house.

My 12 year old is interested in reading the physical copy, and I do think that for older children the physical copy vs audiobook could be more interesting.

Definitely recommend no matter your age!!

[Ann Listen’s · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

4.5 stars

I'm a huge fan of books about interesting facts and useful knowledge that could come in clutch at trivia night!

This book is geared towards kids, and I believe the audio version of it is entertaining with different sound effects for dramatic response and listening!

It's fine it's entertaining and Kidz will learn some interesting pieces of history, tidbits of information, that might stick with them for the rest of their life.

I'm 44 and learned things I never knew!

[Kelly Ann C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun listen! My boys kept requesting to listen to more. The narrator was delightful and it was funny, interesting and we learned a lot. Definitely recommend for all ages!! My 5, 7, and 10 year olds loved it as well as my 35 year old self.
Thank you to netgalley for this ARC audiobook.

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this audiobook fascinating. I would relisten to it. I do recommend listening in smaller timeframes to absorb all the fun facts. Great narrator. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ALC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this audiobook from netGalley for a honest review.

I enjoyed this big book of facts from history. It was funny and informative for kids of all ages who'd like to know more about the past.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

The book title does not lie but the facts are oh so fun! I now realize this is a series and will happily check out more of the titles. Thank you to @netgalley for my ALC of this one. I have definitely upped my interesting talking points and trivia knowledge.

[Marty Doskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read one of these books by Neon Squid before and enjoyed the facts and information they presented. The format is a bunch of "quick hit" paragraphs about the various topics they have compiled. And this book follows their format and makes it an enjoyable read.

I only had one complaint with this book. These books are geared toward a younger audience. With that in mind, there was a fact early on in this book that talked about some leader slaughtering animals and, I think, people. I just didn't think it was an appropriate story to include.

But I enjoyed the book and the wide variety of topics they included.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fun! My family all listened to it in the car while running errands. It's full of fun facts and the narrator really keeps you hooked!

[Christine Barth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, random. Perfect for that 8-12 age.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Non-Fiction book of History Facts. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I really enjoyed this audiobook. I found the facts in this book fun and interesting. I think some of the facts were better than others. This book was fun to read. I think if you have a middle grade child that enjoys history then this is a great book for them. The facts are short and to the point so they will not get bored. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Corey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those books that’s kind of hard to review because it does exactly what it sets out to do. It’s a fun collection of short, quirky history facts rather than a deep dive into any one topic.

The audiobook is especially charming. The narrator has a delightful British accent, stays very animated throughout, and there’s light background music that keeps everything feeling playful without being distracting.

I’d recommend it for car rides, dentist appointments, or as something fun to fall asleep to. None of the facts are particularly groundbreaking, but that’s not really the point—the goal is to spark curiosity, and I think it does that well. I also learned that people in old Vienna apparently used to relieve themselves in street corners… so there’s that. 😂

I’d say it’s probably best suited for readers and listeners around ages 9–12, though adults who enjoy random trivia might smile through it too. If even one of these little facts sends a kid down a rabbit hole to learn more about history, then I’d call the book a success.