Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and… (edition 2010)

4Q 4P
A fascinating and frightening overview of the global effects of sugar and an examination of how this sweet entity brought about so much pain and change. A timely and important work that shows how important it is to understand where our food comes from and the cost of consumption. Readers will be astounded at how such a simple little sweet could wreak such human misery and yet bring about so much change. ( )

5Q, 2P

This seems like the sort of book that adults (myself included) will find highly fascinating but which tweens and teens could only be persuaded to read if they were writing a report on the subject of slavery or the history of sugar (or both). It certainly explains much about the world's history that not many of us know much about and acted as a refresher on topics I hadn't thought about in a long time (the reasons for the places slavery took hold in, etc). I think it could help younger readers to think of things in a new way (where *does* this shirt I'm wearing come from, and who made it, and what is their workday like?) in addition to teaching them about a very important piece of our history. ( )

This book explores the history and impact of sugar on our world, from slavery to revolution to human rights.

Non-fiction. Fascinating, and an excellent introduction to the subject. Despite the framing of the narrative within the authors' family histories, I did feel a lack of personal connection. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it does decrease some of the emotional oomph. (Dec 2011) ( )

This is the kind of history book I love to read! The authors offer a sweeping look at the impact sugar has had upon global history. They begin with intriguing personal stories of how sugar figures prominently in each of their family histories, the impetus for their writing the book. They explore their family connections later in the text. The authors pack an astonishing amount of information in an approximately 160-page text but they never overwhelm the reader and craft it into a compelling, insightful, and provocative narrative. The book explores the impact sugar has had upon colonialism, global trade, migration, slavery, revolutions, culinary arts, production and refinement, religious practice, and more. Among the abundant illustrations and maps, particulary impressive are those depicting plantation life and work. Educators will appreciate the concluding essay in which the authors explain their research and writing processes. This is a book that respects its intended audience. A first-rate example of exceptional nonfiction for young people. ( )