This book is full of very short descriptions of unusual ways that people died or things that happened to their bodies or part of their bodies afterward. It is actually kind of surprising that there are enough accounts to print 6-8 on each page of this 108 page book. And they are interesting. Did you know President Zachary Taylor died of overeating? A woman in Scotland died when she fell into her open dishwasher onto a knife. A woman was driving through a tunnel when an icicle broke loose and went through the roof of her car and her skull. It is printed in a red, white, and black color scheme for all the illustrations and graphics, which adds to the appeal and weirdness of this unique book. A great format for reluctant readers who might just want to read parts here and there.
Review by Terrie Bishop, Academy Park Elem. School Media Center
Rating: ★★★★½
Interest Level: Grades 4 and Up
Dreadful Fates: What a Shocking Way to Go!
Written by Tracey Turner, Illustrated by Sally Kindberg
Kids Can Press
108 p.
Release Date: February 1, 2011
ISBN: 9781554536443
When I saw this book it looked cheesy, but as I flipped through it I found it by turns hilarious and fascinating, and maybe a little bit irreverent. I think a lot of kids would eat this stuff up.