From the author of the multi-million bestselling Sapiens comes an incredible new story of the human race, for younger readers aged 9+.

Yuval Noah Harari is the author of the hugely successful and influential books Sapiens and Homo Deus. In his mission to share his knowledge and big questions about humankind, he has written How Humans Took Over the World, his first book for young readers. Thisis the first in what will be a series charting the evolution of humankind – the story which fascinated millions in Sapiens.

Have you ever wondered how we got here? From hunting mammoths, to flying to the moon? It is because we are unstoppable. But what made us so? Well, we have the most amazing superpower: the ability to tell stories. Fairy tales have led us from imagining ghosts and spirits to being able to create money (yes, really!).

Get ready for the most amazing story there ever was – the incredible true tale of the Unstoppables. Find out how fire shrank our stomachs, how our ancestors spoke to animals, what football can tell us about being human, how we used our superpower for good and bad… and how YOU have the superpower to change the world.

Harari’s style of writing is absolutely gripping! How Humans Took Over the World had me engaged from the get-go, as Harari asks so many questions to readers along the way. In fact, this book could take a very long time to read if you stop and think about every question! The language is accessible and relatable, and there are plenty of maps, diagrams and illustrations that will draw in visual learners. The full-colour illustrations by Zaplana Ruiz highlight the relentless rise and rise of the human race, and his portrayal of sapiens, ancient animals and habitats are wonderfully evocative.

It was fascinating to learn about scientific and archaeological discoveries that help explain the course of human evolution. This is history like you’ve never experienced it before. Middle-grade readers, parents and teachers alike will find so much to love in this educational and inquisitive book. Harari’s trademark style works so well for younger readers, and I can’t wait to follow the next steps of the human journey in book #2 of the series.