Why We Live Where We Live - by Kira Vermond (Paperback)

About the Book

Why do you live where you do? The answer is a lot more complicated than it might seem. Why that house? Why this community? Why do cities sprout where they do? And what makes living there even possible? Geography, topography, climate, landscape, food, politics, economics, and more all play a role in how we choose the place we call home. This book takes readers on a tour of various ways humans adapt to our environments -- or change them to suit our needs. It considers the big picture -- we live on Earth.

Book Synopsis

Why do you live where you do? The answer is a lot more complicated than it might seem. Why that house? Why this community? Why do cities sprout where they do? And what makes living there even possible?

Geography, topography, climate, landscape, food security, politics, economics, and more all play a role in how we choose the place we call home. This book takes readers on a tour of the various ways humans adapt to our environments -- or change them to suit our needs. It considers the big picture -- we live on Earth because it has a breathable atmosphere -- right down to the little things, like friendly neighbors, that simply make us happy.

Why We Live Where We Live looks back in history at the transition from nomadic hunting to farming and the rise of cities following the Industrial Revolution. It also looks ahead to anticipate future concerns: how will climate change and rising water affect people who live near the ocean? Can humans survive in space? This comprehensive, cross-curricular resource will equip readers with a solid background on human habitation and context about their place on the planet.

Review Quotes

"An accessible primer on the development of human civilization, with plenty of potential to spur classroom activities and conversation."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"Clear and accessible."
-- "School Library Journal"

"Concisely written but packed with a wealth of up-to-date information, Why We Live Where We Live has excellent potential to spark discussions among young readers as they consider their identity, their relationships with other people and cultures, and how they might want to influence the future of living situations."-- "Canadian Review of Materials"

"For curious kids who want to know all about the world (what's climate change and why did Grandpa immigrate, anyway?), this non-fiction book has the answers."-- "Today's Parent Magazine"

"It's a fascinating subject, and one the duo tackles with a refreshing lack of silliness."
--Nathan Whitlock "Quill & Quire"

"The conversational tone of the text is complemented by Julie McLaughlin's colourful illustrations which are dynamic and, at times, humorous."-- "Resource Links"

"The friendly text and amusing illustrations make the sometimes difficult subject matter accessible. This is an excellent book for the classroom, school projects, and those children (all children?) who are always asking, 'Why?'"-- "National Reading Campaign"

"This resource asks a unique question and stimulates young readers, ages 8-12, to engage in the world around them. It would be a great inclusion to any social studies, history or science curriculum to help youngsters understand the way society has evolved and their place within it."-- "Green Teacher Magazine"

"This selection is a pleasant and helpful addition to social science, career, urban/country comparisons, and environmental issues."-- "Library Media Connection"

"This unusual book offers a surprising amount of information, organized and presented in an appealing way."
-- "Kirkus Reviews"

About the Author

Kira Vermond is an award-winning writer with over 1,000 articles to her name. She is a frequent contributor to The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, and Today's Parent and is the author of The Secret Life of Money: A Kid's Guide to Cash and Growing Up: Inside and Out. She lives in Guelph, Ontario. Julie McLaughlin is an illustrator living in Vancouver, Canada.