Timelines of Extraordinary Lives

November 1, 2024

Gr 3-8-From Egyptian pharaoh Ramsses The Great (1303 BCE) to environmental activist Greta Thunburg (2024 CE), these 150 time lines cover a swath of events and icons. In an introductory disclaimer, the diverse editors of this volume clarify that they consciously made an effort to include histories from all perspectives and representations, acknowledging that much of history had been recorded by men from privileged backgrounds and with a Eurocentric focus. Every "extraordinary life" is pictured visually, whether through a photo, a statue, or illustration. Profiles often take up one spread, and a time line is featured for each subject. Illustrated time lines of related content are also presented, such as "Humans Through Time" and "The Islamic Golden Age." There are sidebars throughout, expanding on related topics. The art is bright and vibrant, the design is dynamic with very little white space. The frenetic layout may not be pleasing to some readers, but it is filled to the brim with information. The time lines themselves are sometimes presented in the traditional horizontal/vertical lines, but they also appear as circles or waves, adding interest. Some of the final spreads highlight even more figures, one on British and Irish peoples and another on North American peoples. Unfortunately, peoples from other continents and countries are not featured. Back matter includes a thorough glossary and index. VERDICT A fascinating update on the 2020 edition. Purchase where that volume has proven popular.-Shelley M. Diaz

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.