The Who Was? History of the World

Who Was . . . ? Series

by Paula K. Manzanero, Who H.Q., Robert Squier (Illustrator)

Based on The New York Times Best-Selling series, this timeline of world history gives a fresh take on global events, from King Tut to Malala Yousafzai. For the first time ever, the Who Was? subjects are gathered into a single title! The Who Was? History of the World is a journey along the timeline of history, noting the birthdays of 150 people in the series and what was happening in the world at that moment in time. Follow the timeline to learn who was doing what when, from the days of ancient Egypt, all the way up to the present.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Middle Grade, Biography, Childrens

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2019

Reviews

[Laurie B · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to order this book for my library since the series is extremely popular, and one I enjoy as well. Overall, it's an appealing introduction to world history that could serve as a great jumping-off point for further research. I, myself, kept stopping to research various topics that came up in the book because I had questions or wanted more context. However, it does concern me that some important things are left out and a few others are presented in a biased way. Like I said, overall, it's well done. But it does give me pause when considering what a young reader with less contextual information might take away.

The running timeline along the bottom of each page is a great feature. It really helps build a picture of when important events took place in relation to each other, putting things into perspective. The book is a very high-level overview that cannot and should not replace further study. But as an introduction that could get kids excited about exploring history, it's fairly solid.

[Kristi Clemow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the timeline but a little too high level - a few interesting paragraphs. It's a nice book to sortof organize some of the other books if kids have them.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great short read placing major world events in order starting from Ancient Egypt and moving to the present day. Granted there are plenty of major events and details missing since this book mainly focuses on placing the biographies of the "Who was" series in order, but as an elementary teacher, I always have a hard time helping kids place the things they are learning on a timeline since they don't have in mind any sequence of time or events yet. Since students are already huge fans of the "who was" series, they will for sure want to pick this one up. As they read, they are going to get a great basis for world events that hopefully they will be able to add to as they learn more about history. This is such a great book for young kids needing a starting reference to world history (mostly Western civilizations).

Even as an adult there are some surprising things on the timeline that you may not have realized lined up together in history.

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Fought from 1756 to 1763, the Seven Years’ War is considered to be the first true world war."

This book offers a quick/brief rundown of a series of highlights from history in, predominantly, a timeline format.

There are a lot of 2-3 page entries that are nicely written, concise entries... I really like the way this book weaves in vocabulary lessons, using the words in context as well as explaining them.

The timeline mentions when historical figures are born, then later they'll be referenced in an entry, providing a nice sense of "what happened during their life".

All in all, a nicely done book.

[Tracy Peralta · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author of this book is clearly presenting a one-sided view of history. A good reminder that history is subjective based on what the author chooses to focus on. In this book we have a page on the 3 day Woodstock event but not on the world altering events of September 11, 2001. We have mention of the birth of Michelle Obama but not one mention of the president during 9/11. As usual with leftist propaganda, the focus is on race, feminism, and climate change. The argument could be made that everything in this book is factual, but with history, what is left out tells half the story.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter enjoyed this book and it was fun but I can’t say it made a good bedtime story. Each page was a brief summary of a new important person or event. The writing style and vocabulary were easy for young readers and the segments were brief. I’m generally not a fan of survey style histories and this wasn’t an exception. I do like the Who Was books but think the single subject books are nice. That all being said, my kid enjoyed it and it got her asking questions about history and honestly, you can’t beat that!

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very neat book. There are, of course, so many decisions going into making a book like this. One I found interesting was that the 1918 pandemic wasn't mentioned. This books is VERY -U.S. -centered, but provides a decent frame of reference for time and timing of historical events. Something I talk with my students about a lot is time as a point of reference and understanding where historical events fit in the span of time. I think this book can help them start to create that in their brains.

[Brooklyn Brotherton]

I really recommend this book because it is a very good read! It tells the most important moments in history! It basically gives the reader a history lesson while entertaining us with these story’s. I give it a ten out of ten! I really recommend it for readers that are into history and for readers that like a quick read!

[Arthur Rehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!! It used very descriptive language on all of the historical events. The book gave a good rundown of what basically happened since ancient Egypt. I really enjoyed reading this book. After I read this I was 300% smarter. I highly recommend this book for younger readers in 2nd grade to kids in 5th.

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts when the Earth was formed and ends when the "United Nations report warns that the world governments have as few as 12 years to act to reverse the effects of climate change." My favorite part is everything. [Parent note: the entire book is a timeline and he adores timelines.]

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice overview of history from ancient Egypt to the late 20th century. The timelines in the book are a neat feature and extends the content of the book further into the future.

I can see a 4th or 5th grader enjoying this book and getting ideas of topics they would like to dive deeper into.

[LizthePrude · Rating 4 out of 5]

VERY brief history of the world. Great for kids and adults.

[Lydia Granda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and concise, I loved the timelines/illustrations on the bottom of the pages.

[Amy Sands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great history book. My favorite part was the timeline on the bottom of each page.

[Sunny Kim]

I liked this book. It had a lot of facts in one little book so it was good. I liked the timeline at the bottom. I learned many things.

[Oge · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good idea, poor execution. I’m a big fan of the “Who was” series and was looking forward to this. Disappointed with the shallow, spotty, and simplistic end result.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book filled with bite sized history from Ancient Egypt through to the fall of the Berlin Wall. This would be an excellent introduction to a thorough world history unit.

[Victoria B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little light on early history and older notable names...fairly solid on events from the last 400 or so years.

[Myrtle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less boring than most history books but still a history book

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can see some biases.

[Stephen Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

The greatest Audiobook on CD about 150 real people, plus facts!!!!!!!!!

[Amy Crouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book with my son as an introduction to timeline of world history and people living during that time.

[Terry Filkohazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very educational and informative

[Kristi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Promotes the false idea that Jesus was born in Palestine it didn’t exist and still doesn’t exist to this day it is Israel

[Antonela LoRusso · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book! I thought it would be about different historical characters, but it was good despite not being about that.

[Karthika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very very short and concise history for kids

[Thomaspwilson1 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Eah!

The first word that comes to mind is SCATTERED. Or hodgepodge of stuff. Not recommended for a serious history buff!

[Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book . Really God for Yong readers I think the ather should make a what is the Covid 19

[Mary Vanderkooy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the Who Was books- and the Who Is books!

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent recap of history! I loved reading this with my 10 year old! We love the rest of the series, too!