Monday, November 17, 2014

History Made Fun For Kids

I just love books that make history interesting for kids.  I always like a little learning served up with a good story.  Graphic novels do history extremely well, but the book I am profiling today is all narrative and it is engaging.  Of course it serves up history with it's own twist - the tragic and often gruesome ends to some of history's most famous figures.

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Google + and Pinterest for all the books that share the awful ends of the awfully famous.

Title:How They Croaked

Author:Georgia Bragg

Target:Grades 5 and up

Series: Yes

What this book is about: 
This book is about famous people from history who were passionate about their interests.  The twist is of course that we find out how they croaked.  From King Tut to Elizabeth I to Albert Einstein, we learn about the disgusting and putrid ways in which they met their end.  For most of the historical figures profiled, the science of healing was so bad that their treatment was often worse and more deadly than their ailment.  But we also learn about the times in which they lived and are reminded about their amazing accomplishments and discoveries.

Why I love this book:
Each historical figures gets about a five page spread with engaging illustrations.  I was reminded of long forgotten historical happenings in such an entertaining way, although I can’t discount the serious “ick” factor involved in describing their demise.  

This book is also an account of how medicine has changed over the years.  It does show how  learning about the importance of basic hygiene is so imperative in preventing illness and the arcane and ridiculous ways doctors administered medicine in the past.

Who this book is for: 
Great for most kids, however, anyone with a squeamish tummy should steer clear of this one.  If your kids enjoyed A Tale Dark and Grimm, then this book will be right up their alley.

Final thoughts: 
What a unique and deadly way to teach history!  

To purchase this book:
Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous  A portion of each purchase will go back to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.


No comments:

Post a Comment