Reminder – DaneCobain.com

Title: Rotten Rulers

Author: Terry Deary

Type: Non-Fiction

Page Count: 176

Rating: 4/5

I actually learned a surprising amount from this book. For example, in the AD 900s, the grand vizier of Persia travelled with a library of 117,000 books carried by camels that were trained to walk in alphabetical order. Although he also said that the earth is flat, which I’m hoping was a joke but which either way is a dangerous one to make, especially when educating kids.

So basically, the main vibe that I was left with here was that there were a lot of cool facts and information that would definitely keep a kid entertained, but at the same time I’m not too sure how much we can trust it. It’s a shame, because I’ve always found the information to be spot on in Horrible History books before.

Mostly, though, it’s just a timely reminder that power corrupts and that people are terrible. After all, there are quite a few rotten rulers still knocking around today. Sinister.

Learn more about Rotten Rulers.

Lynn Gaspard – Don’t Panic, I’m Islamic | Review

Title: Don’t Panic, I’m Islamic

Author: Lynn Gaspard

Type: Non-Fiction

Page Count/Review Word Count: 184

Rating: 5*/5

Lynn Gaspard – Don’t Panic, I’m Islamic

Disclaimer: While I aim to be unbiased, I received a copy of this for free to review.

This little collection is beautiful, and it’s a must-read for anyone right now, especially with the uncertain political climate. It’s essentially an anthology of stories that are written by or about Muslims in response to the rise of Islamic extremism and Islamophobia brought on by politicians.

It’s basically the reminder that the world needs that Muslims are people just like everyone else, and the sharp writing inside, coupled with the beautiful artwork and the thought-provoking subject matter, does a great job of illustrating both our differences and our similarities. It also pokes fun at the way that society deals with Muslims, and I thought that was fantastic. It’s self-deprecating but simultaneously right on the nail.

If you’re a free thinker who believes in equality, and if you’re sick of the way that the media portrays Muslims and minorities, you need to read this book.