This is a very informative book about the amazing discoveries from China. Although there are very few pictures, the pictures do a decent job of supporting the text. The author does a wonderful job with vocabulary in the book, allowing younger children to understand what he is saying by constantly defining words. Words that are in bold print are defined in the glossary in the back of the book. I do question the accuracy of the book, although nothing seems to be made up, no sources are referenced. There is no place reference page either, only a "For Further Reading" page in the back of the book. ( )

This book is a specialized text from a series surveying the scientific history of ancient cultures. China is a particularly interesting one because they were one, so far ahead of the rest of the world, and two, isolated from western culture. China is responsible for important discoveries such as gunpowder, the compass, and the first printing among many others. This book is very informative with more advanced size print and minimal to moderate photography and illustration giving it the feel of an adult text. The book is still more concise in length and depth as well as more basic in tone in order to appeal and be compatible with probably upper middle school to lower high school students. The text is organized into chapters defined by categories of scientific study and influence on Chinese culture or the rest of the world. The book includes an index and a list of references. The authors note accredits the writer as having written on the topic for scientific journals and the government for more than 25 years but is now a freelance writer. I would use this book in my classroom when certain chinese advancements related to the topic being covered so that students would gain some perspective as to the origins of these technologies. ( )

This book has many great pictures and drawings in it, even if they are in black and white. That is why I gave it a three to five rating, while adults might appreciate black and white photographs. Most children see that color is more important and it helps them see the pictures at a deeper level. I would have gotten the undated color version of this book if it was available. I like how the font is large and how each chapter has an exciting topic. I especially enjoy the chapter on gunpowder.