The Incredible Internet

Name: The Incredible Internet
ISBN: 9780439992152

For young adults curious about the digital world, this book offers a foundational exploration of the internet's origins, functions, and societal impact.

Find on Bookshop.org Find on Amazon Save

About This Book

A parent might reach for this book when their teen uses the internet constantly but has no idea how it all works, or expresses a budding interest in coding and technology. "The Incredible Internet" is a foundational guide to the web's origins, from its military beginnings as ARPANET to the dot-com boom. It clearly explains core concepts like servers, browsers, and email. While its 2002 publication date makes it a historical snapshot, this is its unique strength. It offers a fascinating, optimistic view of the early internet, sparking curiosity and providing essential context for understanding how the technology that shapes their lives today came to be.

Curiosity & Wonder Coding & Technology History

What Parents Should Know

Cultural Content GapMild

Published in 2002. Lacks info on social media, smartphones, and modern internet challenges.

Sensitive Topics

As a technical and historical guide from 2002, this book is free of sensitive topics like violence or mature themes. Its primary consideration is its dated perspective. The text predates the widespread discussion of modern internet dangers like cyberbullying, misinformation, or privacy erosion. Its tone is overwhelmingly positive and optimistic about the internet's potential, which requires modern context.

Ideal Reader

A 13-year-old who is starting to get into coding or web design, or is just generally curious about how the technology they use every day came to be. They are a logical thinker who enjoys understanding the 'why' behind things and isn't deterred by some technical vocabulary.