History’s Most Epic Fibs!
by Athena Kugblenu, illustrated by Nicole Miles
Interest age: 9 to 13
Reading age: 10+
Published by Wren & Rook, 2024
About this book
Fibbing – telling lies, big and small – is part of being human.
Some fibs – like your parents saying “if the wind changes, you’ll stay like that” when you’re pulling a funny face – are well-intentioned. But some fibs are quite damaging. How can we tell the difference, and what are some of history’s biggest fibs?
Comedian, writer, and podcast host Athena Kugblenu takes readers through a number of small and not-so-small fibs through history, from the wrong idea that women’s dresses don’t need pockets, to the very large and worrying fib circulating the internet that seems to show Harriet Tubman minimising the impact of slavery on its victims.
The book examines fake news and how lies spread on the internet, and teaches young people how we can ask questions about information that we are presented with – and not believe everything we read or hear.
There’s a useful “fib-o-meter” at the end of each example, showing that some lies are more of a problem than others, and the pages are laid out with clear text and fun illustrations throughout, keeping the tone light while investigating some serious subjects. A fascinating, fun and essential read.
More books like this
-
Black and British: A Short, Essential History
by David Olusoga
9 to 14 years
-
The Truth Detective
by Tim Harford, illustrated by Ollie Mann
9 to 14 years
-
History's Most Epic Fails!
by Athena Kugblenu, illustrated by Nicole Miles
9 to 11 years
-
A History of Fashion for Children
by Celia Joicey and Dennis Nothdruft, illustrated by Rose Blake
7 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Books on fake news and lies
It is vital that children learn to spot fake news and false information - and schools will soon be teaching classes on this. This selection of titles includes practical non-fiction books and also fiction that takes a broader view of 'fake news', in the sense of gossip and lies.