About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts asking where stories come from or shows a burgeoning interest in the history of ideas and technology. It is a perfect choice for the young reader who treats their bookshelf like a collection of treasures and wants to understand the evolution of human communication. Narrated by Book itself, this witty autobiography traces the journey from ancient clay tablets and papyrus scrolls to the digital e-readers of today. It manages to make historical facts feel like personal memories, instilling a sense of pride and continuity in the act of reading. While the tone is light and eccentric, Agard does not shy away from the deeper weight of history, including the ancient Library of Alexandria and the somber reality of book burning. It is most appropriate for children ages 9 to 13 who can appreciate the clever personification and the poetic, slightly sophisticated vocabulary. You might choose this to foster a deeper respect for literature or to help a tech-focused child see the 'coding' inherent in the development of the alphabet and the printing press.
