Prehistoric Peoples: Discover the Ancient World of the First Humans

Prehistoric Peoples offers an immersive exploration of early human life, tracing our ancestors from their origins in Africa to the development of settled civilizations. Written by Philip Brooks, this richly illustrated reference uses more than 200 images, alongside maps and timelines, to depict life in the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages.

Beginning with early hominins walking upright, the book explains toolmaking, hunter-gatherer lifestyles, fire control, and the evolution of communication and community. It details how pottery emerged (e.g., in Japan 12,500 years ago), human migrations during the Ice Age, and burial rituals of Neanderthals—decades before modern culture.
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The narrative progresses into the Bronze and Iron Ages, showing how metalworking transformed daily life and spurred the rise of agriculture and cities. The clear text and logical structure help readers understand the timeline of human technological progress.

Designed for children aged 8–12 years (Grades 3–7), the book balances readability with academic integrity. It includes fact boxes, glossary, index, and activity suggestions, supporting both classroom learning and independent reading. Reviews highlight it as a valuable introduction to world history and prehistory.

Target Age: Lower to Upper (8–12 years; Grades 3–7)
LGBT Content: No LGBT content present