The Chinese Thought of It: Amazing Inventions and Innovations (We Thought Of It)
From the We Thought of It series, which began with The Inuit Thought of It (2007) and A Native American Thought of It (2008), this volume brings to light the many inventions of the Chinese. Born in China and living in Canada, Ye begins by proudly introducing her native country and setting the stage with a large map and a time line that goes back 37 centuries. The two-page sections that follow offer short introductions to a topic such as “Farming” (planting in rows, wheelbarrow, iron plowshare); “Weapons and Warfare” (gunpowder, stirrups, crossbow); or “Everyday Innovations” (kite, umbrella, fishing reel), followed by illustrated paragraphs exploring individual technologies. The many clear, colorful pictures include reproductions of period artworks as well as photos of people, places, artifacts, and modern objects. The book concludes with a note on the Chinese language, a selected source bibliography, and a list of recommended books. A well-focused introduction to the history of technological innovation in China. Grades 5-8. --Carolyn Phelan--This text refers to theLibrary Bindingedition.