Get Connected!: The Story of Communication from Hieroglyphics to Body Language

A high-energy, colorful and fascinating deep dive into the world of communication.

Covering the many communication methods and forms, past and present - from cuneiform and semaphore to body language and social media - this bright and bold book is chock-full of information. Each mural-like spread focuses on one unique aspect of communication, exploring the topic at an adolescent-friendly pace, with true-or-false tests, lists and sidebars. The book also examines the reasons why humans communicate, how to do it better, and why it’s beneficial to our mental health and wellbeing. It’s comprehensive and accessible, and the perfect introduction to connecting through communication.

Containing 21 spreads in all, the book describes everything from speaking, language and writing of all types to modern communication modes, such as broadcasting, satellites and the internet. Author Kay Barnham presents facts in short segments that are easy for young people to digest, while exhuberant illustrations by Emans make the information pop. This book has cross-curricular appeal, with connections to culture, mass media, technology, inventions, history and human biology. This is a thought-provoking foundation in communication that’s ideal for adolescents who are just starting to experience digital information overload. A glossary, further information and an index add to its resource value.

Kay Barnham has a degree in linguistics. She worked as an editor of illustrated nonfiction before starting to write her own books, including fiction under the name Kay Woodward. She has written almost 100 books. She lives in New Forest in the United Kingdom with her husband and daughter.
Emanuele, known as Emans91 or just Emans, is a visual artist. He started as a graffiti artist in Rome before studying graphic design in Buenos Aires. His work has been featured in The Washington Post and Cosmopolitan, and he has collaborated with Adobe, Apple and Nike. He lives in Rome.