If the World Were 100 People

Jackie McCann Press Reviews

'This visually engaging nonfiction picture book begins with a simple conceit: It's tricky to picture 8,000,000,000 people, so instead, let's imagine the whole planet is a village where 100 people live. The upfront prose gently advocates for change where needed: Every year, about a third of all the food produced in the world goes to waste. That is more than enough to feed the 11 people who are hungry. Bright, eye-catching art by Cushley features an inclusive cast and additional annotated facts. An informative, appealing primer on societal data.' - US Publishers Weekly

'Budding mathematicians, economists, sociologists, and ecologists will all find something useful in this percentage-based look at human life on Earth. Reducing the world's population of (roughly) 8 billion humans to a community of 100 souls allows readers to wrap their heads around some pretty big concepts. A colorful cast of unibrowed characters representing the world's population fills each page, and the range of skin tones, hairstyles, garb, abilities, weight, and age will help readers understand just how diverse the human population can be. Educators may find the book a useful addition to their shelves, and the book may serve as a springboard for discussions or projects.' - Kirkus Reviews

'Using clear, colorful, and inviting infographics and short, interesting text, this book asks big questions about life on Earth. [...] While other books and educational materials have dealt with thinking about the world population as 100 people, this is an up-to-date invitation to think about important issues we are facing right now. Using the text and infographics, readers can discuss the questions raised, do some additional research, and ultimately take informed action. This is a terrific find for social studies teachers who want to promote inquiry and active citizenship. - Myra Zarnowski, City Univ. of New York, School Library Journal