Genevieve Foster (1893–1979)

Explores the wide world of William Penn - a world reaching from the courtyards of the Sun King to the Great Wall of China. Penn's contemporaries included such colorful figures as Louis XIV, Peter the Great, Edmund Halley, Sir Isaac Newton, Shah Jahan (who built the Taj Mahal), and the great explorers Marquette, Jolliet, and La Salle. Penn's life spans a fascinating age of exploration and discovery. Penn's Quaker beliefs undergirded his relationships with the Pennsylvanian tribes and show more established the longest standing peace treaty with American Indians and European settlers. His commitment to religious freedom became a cornerstone of American democracy. show less

So, Genevieve Foster wrote engagingly, but I just can't get past halfway in the history book. I'm getting a little lost as we cover the entire world a bit at a time, as the structure is chronological (how many revolutions did France have over how many years, anyway?!). And there's a bit too much 'glorious democracy' and 'for God and country' and even 'his bright eyes and handsome mouth' kinds of boosterism. Gotta move along - can get more & better history elsewhere I'm sure.

Otoh, for the show more intended audience at the time, I bet it was good. I do think it deserved the Newbery Honor. show less

A sort of world history for kids, from 1740-1800, set in the timeline of George Washington's life. I didn't expect much going into this Newbery Honor Book, written in 1941, but I was very pleasantly surprised. It ties world events together quite cleverly, and the narrative style is interesting and engaging. My 10-year-old son is interested in history and I think he'll love this one.

Excellent, engaging and globally-scoped history text. Ideal for upper level/advanced elementary students and middle school students as history curriculum. Also just a fun read for adults. The illustrations are gorgeous and informative. Highly recommend, especially for folks who normally find history "dry" or boring.