My Weird School Fast Facts: Explorers, Presidents, and Toilets

A.J. and his nemesis, Andrea, are together again to bring plenty of fascinating fast facts to their reading audience, much as they did in earlier books about geography and sports. How many facts can these two kids know? Well, it turns out it’s quite a few. Most of them are actual facts, although it’s a good idea to think hard about some that A.J. offers up. This book takes a fresh look at American history. They start by talking about the explorers who discovered our great land and those who thought they discovered it. Then it’s on to the history of the Colonies and the beginning of our country, all the way to a chapter called “Everything that Happened After WWII” and ending with a chapter on the history of toilets. It seems toilets always have a place in A.J.’s life.

Author Dan Gutman has a wicked sense of humor, and it shows on every page in this super fun overview of our country’s history. Most middle-grade readers will just read right through without realizing how much learning they are doing. Illustrator Jim Paillot helps the fun along but adds photos for a touch of reality.