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Friday, January 6, 2023

Unstoppable Us, Volume 1: How Humans Took Over the World, written by Yuval Noah Harari and illustrated by Ricard Zaplana Ruiz. Penguin Random House, 2022. $29.99 ages 10 and up

 


"Our ancestors were the only ones who knew 
how to cooperate in large numbers, even with 
strangers. More people cooperating meant 
more ideas about how to make tools, find 
food, and heal wounds ... Sapiens could 
rely on lots of people they didn't know well.

My son-in-law and others have certainly sung praises for Sapiens (2015), which is an explanation for adults about how, although weaker, humans through history managed to dominate all other animals. I was intrigued but did not read it. When I read that Mr. Harari had written this book for a younger audience, I was in. Even more intrigued now, I was quick to get a copy and quicker to read it. 

The author's ability to tell a spirited story for his intended audience kept me reading and totally engrossed with our past history. Middle grade students will have no problem understanding the events from a distant past that led to humans 'taking over the world'. Graphic artwork by Ricard Ruiz is integral to understanding. Large and small illustrations add context at every turn, allowing readers to note through perspective, fine details and adherence to the words presented, the trajectory of the human ability to use storytelling and resourcefulness to succeed and thrive.   

Well-designed in every way, it is fully accessible to readers. Big ideas and questions are bolded for emphasis, humor is evident, and big concepts are explained by relating them to the reader's life. Topics are consistently connected to each other. The author reminds his audience that not every question has an answer, and provides a just-right amount of information to keep readers engaged. This is a worthy introduction to human history, and identified as Volume 1. Humans, during the period of time covered in this book, did not know they were pushing many large animals toward extinction. Today, we know better. We are sure to learn more about more modern times and what's to come in the future in his next book. Four volumes are planned. 

The dedication to this book reads: “To all beings — those gone, those living and those still to come. Our ancestors made the world what it is. We can decide what the world will become.” 

https://youtu.be/e_wqfqGE4_g

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