Bugged

A parent would reach for this book when they have a child who loves gross-out facts but needs a bridge into world history and science. It is the perfect choice for the student who finds traditional textbooks dry but lights up at the mention of weird, icky, or unexpected details about how the world actually works. Sarah Albee takes a humorous and fast-paced look at how tiny insects have shaped human events, from the fall of empires to the outcome of major wars. While the tone is light and funny, the book explores deep themes of human resilience and the interconnectedness of nature and civilization. It is highly appropriate for middle-grade readers (ages 8-12) who are ready to move beyond basic nature guides and into the fascinating, sometimes messy reality of our shared history with the animal kingdom.