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"We" by Alice Schertle

Author:

Alice Schertle

Illustrator:

Kenneth Addison

Publisher:

Lee & Low Books, Inc. 2007

Reviewed by:

Kristine Wildner, Holy Apostles School, New Berlin, WI

Brilliantly illustrated, We depicts the whole of human history from an evolutionary viewpoint. Beginning in a riverbed in Africa, humans evolve then begin to travel, first on foot, then on water, eventually populating the world. The chronological focus then moves to human achievements and accomplishments including religion, the arts, war, inventions and discoveries, concluding with a return to the African riverbed with a study of archeology. The prose script with unique gaps to guide the reader to appropriate pauses is almost lyrical. Moreover, the two-page spreads of the multi-media collage pictures are breath taking.

Depicting a humanist worldview of history, We assumes the theory of evolution as fact. Other theories of human development are not addressed and the role of faith is minimized. A good introduction to the theory of evolution, younger students may not fully understand its message, but older children will gain a good overview of human accomplishments. The fantastic collage illustrations, particularly the cover with faces of all races and nationalities, are an excellent vehicle for showing children the diversity among people. Moreover, the book serves as great vehicle for depicting the art of collage and the beauty that can come from combining different media forms. Serving as an introduction to the theory of evolution, We simplifies the history of the world in 32 magnificently illustrated pages.