Debatable Deaths

History's Mysteries

by Gary L. Blackwood, Terry Miller Shannon

This intriguing series allows readers to explore some of history's most famous mysteries

Genres: History, Nonfiction

32 pages, Library Binding

First published October 1, 2005

About the author

He grew up in rural Cochranton, Western Pennsylvania, where he attended school in a one room schoolhouse. He graduated with a B.A. in English from Grove City College in Pennsylvania. While a college student, Blackwood published his first short story, Cliffs of Gold, in Twelve/ Fifteen magazine.

He has sold dozens of stories to children's magazines, and has published thirty-five novels and nonfiction books for adults, young adults and middle readers.

Blackwood is also a widely produced playwright.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sponsor Debate Club so the title was irresistible.
The information is a bit dated because it's been 16 years since it's been written. DNA has come a long way. For my students, though, this is a good introduction to a few of history's great mysteries.
I guess my favorite was Napoleon. I'd always thought his death was straight-forward.

[Chris Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, it was ok. Definitely a middle grades book and I could see a 5th or 6th grader enjoying this. However, it felt more speculative than factual, which could simply be because of the reading level of the book.

[Kandyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good non-fiction about people in history who have died under mysterious circumstances. I like how the book has a short chapter for each historical figure. I think that makes for a simpler read. Covers several different regional and historical eras.

[Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so cool! In it there were 7 chatterers. Tutankhamen, in chapter 1. Edward and Richard, in chapter 2. Christopher Marlowe, in chapter 3. Mozart, in chapter 4. Lewis, in chapter 5. Napoleon Bonaparte, in chapter 6. Amelia Earhart, in chapter 7
Read it, it is a good book!

[Metagion · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad--it's basically a textbook for students in, say, the fifth or sixth grade. Good pictures and a cursory explanation in the suspicious deaths of various figures in history that have met untimely ends, such as Amelia Earheart, Napoleon, Tutenkhamen, and a few more.

[Ghislaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it in one sitting. Interesting information about historical mysterious deaths.