Humanity’s reign has ended but the world is slowly recovering and showing signs of new life – one brick at a time.LEGO minifigures have risen from the debris to craft intricate civilisations inside discarded objects – each one inspired by the relic they now call home. A New World Rises explores an imagined future and challenges readers to examine our own existence and future while presenting various imaginative scenarios to explore and enjoy.
Each chapter presents a microcosm of what could be the future. The writers have chosen a variety of situations, themes, places and famous names as topics . There are references to all sorts of familiar cultural icons throughout. The tone of the writing is friendly and humorous, but the content is challenging and interesting. Jokes abound. The authors are passionate about using LEGO as a visual medium for storytelling aided by the vast palette of pieces and colours now available, which allows, they say, for ‘practically limitless creation’. Their goal is to ‘take LEGO beyond people’s expectations’. This book certainly records some remarkably detailed and complex scenes which still retain the appeal and charm of the original figures.
This is an enjoyable book to delve into and explore, whether you are new to LEGO or have worked with it since infancy. There are extensive teacher’s notes showing how to use the book if studying creativity, art and visual literacy, community, environmental sustainability, repurposing and upcycling, urban transformation, effects of consumerism and more. The back matter includes a minifig spotter’s guide, a visit to the creators’ workshop, and some advice for new creators.
A challenge in all the best ways for middle grade readers.
THE YEAR IS 2130
