Joy Hakim books – Question

I have The Story of Science (and the next two science titles), but haven’t had time to read it yet. I actually got mine through Missingtheshire and she told me that while she wasn’t all that fond of the writing style, her daughter really liked them. Since my dd likes her dd and they have similar tastes, I thought it was worth having around. 😉

FWIW – I have looked up all three of the science titles I own, and they seem to aimed at 8-9th grade and up. Some people didn’t like the set-up: It has the main text, with illustrative pictures on each two page layout, with little boxes of interesting things to know on the sides. It doesn’t bother me, but I know that can bother some. I like pictures – as much as I love to read, I still enjoy seeing things that help illustrate the point. 😉

I mentioned it to my mom who is now reading it and is LOVING it. She is amazed at all the stuff she didn’t know either. She keeps mentioning some rabbit trails that she wants to follow….LOL.  If it can make a 70yo interested in chasing rabbit trails, it can probably do that others. =)

We have used AHoUS, using it as a spine back in our SL days. It is easy to understand, decently written, if a bit choppy in some spots. To learn as much as you can about the periods covered, this is a starting point.

TSoS is a series we are using, although only a portion of it, this year. It seems to be similar to the above in regard to content.

Ms. Hakim seems to have the same feeling regarding Christianity as Van Loon, only perhaps slightly moreso, IMHO. However, knowing that going in, we simple discussed where and when there might be bias and continue on. I would recommend this forthe junior high and up unless you will be reading it aloud and the younger group has the benefit of listening and participating in the aforementioned discission. The young ones would have no problem following along otherwise.

We use all these as spines (that we read aloud together) in addition to living books that are read individually.  We love them!  They can be choppy.  They are packed with information.