Horrible Histories
Horrible Histories Special Series
What’s inside...
Horrible Histories is a series of illustrated history books by Terry Deary designed to engage young readers with history through the gruesome, unpleasant, and peculiar aspects of the past, presented in a humorous and accessible manner. The series covers various historical periods and topics, from the Savage Stone Age to the Woeful Second World War, focusing on bizarre, violent, and disgusting elements that traditional history books often overlook. Each book includes anecdotes, facts, jokes, and comic-strip illustrations to entertain and educate about the realities of life in different historical eras. Additionally, 'Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark' is a collection of spooky and macabre tales with creepy drawings by Stephen Gammell, suitable for reading alone or telling aloud in the dark, featuring stories about terrifying predicaments, practical jokes with gruesome outcomes, and more.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
100 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you find most surprising about the historical events or figures you read about?
How do you think life was different for kids living during those times?
What can we learn from the mistakes or successes of people in the past?
Which historical figure would you like to learn more about and why?
How do you think the world would be different if certain events had never happened?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use the book as a springboard to explore family history, perhaps discussing ancestors or how history has shaped your own family.
Encourage your child to think critically by comparing and contrasting different points of view or causes and effects described in the book.
Create a timeline together of major events from the book, using creative materials to make the learning process engaging and memorable.
Propose to watch documentaries or visit museums that relate to topics covered in the book to deepen understanding and connection.
Suggest your child write a letter or diary entry from the perspective of someone they read about, fostering empathy and deeper comprehension.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding historical context
Explanation: Horrible Histories presents past events with a mix of humor and facts, making it easier for children to grasp the complexities of history.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by analyzing how past events influence current world situations, fostering critical thinking.
Example Lesson: Developing research skills
Explanation: Each story in Horrible Histories encourages readers to delve deeper into historical events, promoting an investigative approach.
Real-World Application: This skill can help children in academic settings, where research and evidence-gathering are key components of learning.
Example Lesson: Appreciating diverse perspectives
Explanation: The book presents history from various points of view, helping children understand that history is not just a single narrative but a compilation of many different voices.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value different perspectives in their everyday interactions, promoting empathy and inclusiveness.
Example Lesson: Learning the consequences of actions
Explanation: Horrible Histories often discusses the outcomes of historical figures' decisions, highlighting how actions lead to specific consequences.
Real-World Application: Kids can link this idea to their decisions, understanding that their choices have impacts.
Example Lesson: Engagement with storytelling
Explanation: The humorous and engaging storytelling technique used in Horrible Histories makes learning about history enticing rather than daunting.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore more books and develop a lifelong love for reading and learning.