The Book of What If?: Questions and Activities for Curious Minds

Gr 5–9—This title is dedicated to exploring the "what ifs" of life and world history with the hope that readers will begin to think critically about their own role in history. The book is divided into four sections (history, people, stuff, and nature). Each chapter begins with a "what if" question header and a one- to two-page exploration of that topic, with various sidebars and activities throughout. The text is light and conversational. Occasionally, the authors take on more than they can handle with topics such as "What if the South had won the Civil War?" which is covered without the necessary exploration of what that would truly mean. This is mainly an issue for younger readers whose initial understanding may be limited. Some chapters include a "Technical Corner," which expands on a specific person or thing related to the "what if." The authors wisely include brief interview snippets with real middle and high school students that will give readers an example on which to model their own thinking.