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Who Was . . . ? Series
Who Was Confucius?
Learn more about China's most famous teacher and philosopher, whose ideas are still influential today.
Born in 551 BC, Confucius was a young man when he set his heart and mind on learning as much as he could. By his thirties, he'd become a brilliant teacher who shared his knowledge of several subjects, including arithmetic, history, and poetry, with his students. Confucius wanted to make sure that everyone in China had access to an education and devoted his whole life to learning and teaching so he could transform and improve society.
His lessons--now known as Confucianism--are practiced by over six million people in the world. They focus on loving humanity, worshiping ancestors, respecting elders, and self-discipline. Confucianism has become the system that governs a total way of life in East Asia.
Born in 551 BC, Confucius was a young man when he set his heart and mind on learning as much as he could. By his thirties, he'd become a brilliant teacher who shared his knowledge of several subjects, including arithmetic, history, and poetry, with his students. Confucius wanted to make sure that everyone in China had access to an education and devoted his whole life to learning and teaching so he could transform and improve society.
His lessons--now known as Confucianism--are practiced by over six million people in the world. They focus on loving humanity, worshiping ancestors, respecting elders, and self-discipline. Confucianism has become the system that governs a total way of life in East Asia.
112 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 29, 2024
Who Was ...? biography series for middle grade brings fascinating character namely Confucius –who is considered one of the greatest thinkers and teachers ever.
Confucius lived almost 2,600 years ago in an independent state that is now part of China. His real name was Kong Qiu.
During his time, children learned about the religious practices and songs which some shared moral lessons. From early age, he was drawn to behaving in the most respectable way. He was a smart student who used his knowledge to help those in need. When he became a teacher, he didn’t care how much a student could pay him. He cared how eager the student was to learn.
Even as he taught others, he always continued learning new things.
His fame spread. At forty, he was offered a job by a powerful ruler. He took part in diplomatic talks. He was good at illustrating the best way to find solution: to do things the right way. His general advice was to create a place where people would like to stay and others would like to move there. There had to be rules set by government but no total control over its subjects and respect toward each other.
Confucian ideas shaped China for centuries to come.
This biography illuminates a man who cared deeply about doing the right thing and how to live a good life.
This illustrated biography series for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences and enriched with insightful inserts.
https://biopurposeland.blogspot.com/
Confucius lived almost 2,600 years ago in an independent state that is now part of China. His real name was Kong Qiu.
During his time, children learned about the religious practices and songs which some shared moral lessons. From early age, he was drawn to behaving in the most respectable way. He was a smart student who used his knowledge to help those in need. When he became a teacher, he didn’t care how much a student could pay him. He cared how eager the student was to learn.
Even as he taught others, he always continued learning new things.
His fame spread. At forty, he was offered a job by a powerful ruler. He took part in diplomatic talks. He was good at illustrating the best way to find solution: to do things the right way. His general advice was to create a place where people would like to stay and others would like to move there. There had to be rules set by government but no total control over its subjects and respect toward each other.
Confucian ideas shaped China for centuries to come.
This biography illuminates a man who cared deeply about doing the right thing and how to live a good life.
This illustrated biography series for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences and enriched with insightful inserts.
https://biopurposeland.blogspot.com/
January 3, 2021
I had a hard time keeping the various events of his life. There were so many changes and the pronunciations became a bit overwhelming. Not one of my favorite books.
April 21, 2022
I really dislike books for children where the informational inserts break into the flow of the story.
February 5, 2021
I enjoy the teachings and moral philosophy attributed to Confucius, and I've been waiting to get my hands on a copy of this new Who HQ book for a while. It was not nearly as interesting as I'd hoped.
I didn't find it engaging.. more about ancient Chinese history and politics, and less about connecting to who Confucius was. Given how little is recorded and actually known -especially about his early life- the author may not have had a lot to work with, but I still feel it was a disappointment.
The illustration style is good compared with others in the series.
For me, the best could be found in the brief intro chapter.
"Kong Qiu .. was different. Starting at a very young age, he seemed to always consider the best way to behave."
"His teachings explain how to treat others well and live a good life."
I didn't find it engaging.. more about ancient Chinese history and politics, and less about connecting to who Confucius was. Given how little is recorded and actually known -especially about his early life- the author may not have had a lot to work with, but I still feel it was a disappointment.
The illustration style is good compared with others in the series.
For me, the best could be found in the brief intro chapter.
"Kong Qiu .. was different. Starting at a very young age, he seemed to always consider the best way to behave."
"His teachings explain how to treat others well and live a good life."
June 19, 2025
This is a quick read that is geared to younger readers, but I have found these books to be a fantastic way to get a broad understanding of the characters and events being covered. This book helped me understand who Confucius was, what his core teachings were, when he lived and how his teachings of treating others with respect and kindness were the way to live. Whether you are royalty or a mere surf we all have our parts to play for the happiness and success of our society. Now that I have the basics, I am excited to learn more about this fascinating character.
August 24, 2026
کتاب خیلی خوبی بود و عالی توضیح داده بود.
اسم چینی اصلی: کونگ چیو (孔丘)
اسم دیگر چینی: کونگ فوزی (孔夫子) به معنای استاد بزرگ کونگ
او در ۲۶۰۰ سال پیش می زیسته یعنی تقریبا نزدیک زمانی که ایران هخامنشیان بودن. اون زمان چین شی هوانگ اولین امپراتور چین هنوز چین رو متحد نکرده بود و کشور چین تاسیس نشده بود.
در زمان دومین امپراتوری چین یعنی سلسله ی هان خواندن ایده های او اجباری شد و این روند در سلسله های بعد هم ادامه پیدا کرد و دلیل اصلی اینکه اون بزرگترین فیلسوف چینی دونسته میشه به نظرم همینه
اسم چینی اصلی: کونگ چیو (孔丘)
اسم دیگر چینی: کونگ فوزی (孔夫子) به معنای استاد بزرگ کونگ
او در ۲۶۰۰ سال پیش می زیسته یعنی تقریبا نزدیک زمانی که ایران هخامنشیان بودن. اون زمان چین شی هوانگ اولین امپراتور چین هنوز چین رو متحد نکرده بود و کشور چین تاسیس نشده بود.
در زمان دومین امپراتوری چین یعنی سلسله ی هان خواندن ایده های او اجباری شد و این روند در سلسله های بعد هم ادامه پیدا کرد و دلیل اصلی اینکه اون بزرگترین فیلسوف چینی دونسته میشه به نظرم همینه
April 28, 2021
Interesting quick read
I really enjoyed how easy to understand the author made this book. And I really liked how he went into detail for important aspects of Kong Qiu and I really liked his philosophy 💜
I really enjoyed how easy to understand the author made this book. And I really liked how he went into detail for important aspects of Kong Qiu and I really liked his philosophy 💜
September 2, 2025
It was an interesting read, but mostly based upon another book and not known facts. I can't say I am convinced by it that Confucius was ever truly such a gifted scholar. Or that he taught such things as how to be a gentleman or to treat others well.
February 6, 2021
I wanted to know more about his sayings.
February 1, 2022
My least favorite part was when he died because he was sick. My favorite part was when he got to meet his Duke Lin. He was a kind of butler to the royal family.
January 2, 2024
Memorable fact:
Confucius prescribed a mourning period of 3 years following the death of a parent because 3 years is approximately how long a child was completely dependant upon them.
Confucius prescribed a mourning period of 3 years following the death of a parent because 3 years is approximately how long a child was completely dependant upon them.
October 2, 2026
Read-aloud, end. Sept.- early Oct. '26
It's fine. Wish it explained more of his teachings.
It's fine. Wish it explained more of his teachings.
February 17, 2021
Everybody knows the name Confucius, but apparently his story is a pretty boring one. Like most of our lives I guess. Treat people fairly, and everyone has a place and a role in society which should be played. Eh.
February 10, 2022
Liked book. I liked how he was calm and also kind and taught people how to be kind.
June 10, 2021
Confucius had a normal life like others, but he tried to spread goodness through his teachings. I would have loved a list of his main teachings in this book. I could not find one. I was more interested in what kind of ideas he had. This book could have been better.
June 27, 2021
A decent biography of an ancient historical figure.....but literally all that kept coming to mind during reading this book is all those silly Confucius jokes....specifically, "Confucius say man who stand on toilet is high on pot"
December 8, 2020
The famous Analects of Confucius, and this summarize Confucius's life. Good simple fast read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews