The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide to Inventing the World

Gr 7 Up–A book to inspire explorers. This volume stands as a companion to Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Most Adventurous Kid. It offers young readers a brilliantly illustrated view of the history of some of the world’s most significant and ingenious inventions. The discoveries presented in can be described as transformative, and through the illustrations and engaging text, readers can see their global impact. The text is brief and concise, so even less-skilled readers can enjoy the guide. Bold text at the top of each page denotes the category or invention being explained, which is followed by an abbreviated historical description of its emergence into the world. Every explanation is thorough but not exhaustive, including information about where the invention originated along with latitude and longitude coordinates. Other than offering compelling facts and details, every page has a “Know Before You Go” section with advice and tips for readers adventuring on their own. Most of these innovations are still in use today, and through a “spiderweb” of interconnectedness, children can see how they led to other discoveries (i.e., glass to lenses to microscopes to cells). The book also contains informational charts, a glossary of key terms, and extensive further reading. This STEM-oriented publication would be a strong addition to any collection.