The first books in History Smashers, the new series of nonfiction graphic books aimed at eradicating historical myths, secrets, and lies will be coming from Random House Kids on July 7, 2020. Author Kate Messner shared images of the covers for the first two books in the series, The Mayflower and Women’s Right to Vote, on twitter earlier today.
Excited to share the 1st two covers for our new MG nonfiction series illustrated by the brilliant @dmeconis! HISTORY SMASHERS is aimed at undoing the myths we've taught kids about history & sharing the hidden (and sometimes uncomfortable) truths. Out July 7 from @RandomHouseKids! pic.twitter.com/nfb2l9qNHK
— katemessner (@KateMessner) November 6, 2019
The History Smasher books, which are illustrated by Dylan Meconis, will tackle historical inaccuracies, including instances when the truth may end up being somewhat less comfortable to confront than the myth that has entered common knowledge.
With the first two volumes centered on often-misunderstood topics like the first Thanksgiving and women’s right to vote, there is plenty of material to cover for the first two volumes of the educational series.
On twitter, Messner said she had help writing both volumes of the nonfiction series. She credited Aquinnah Wampanoag historian and educator Linda Coombs for helping on History Smashers: The Mayflower and author Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovic for consulting and contributing on History Smashers: Women’s Right to Vote.
The series is geared towards readers in grades 8 through 12 and includes charts, sidebars, and photographs in addition to illustrations. Plus, judging by the covers (which include a chicken on the deck of the Mayflower and the characters reacting to the title “smashing” through the air above them), this series is sure to be as entertaining as it is educational.
While finding out the truth about historical narratives may not always be the most comfortable experience, this series is sure to kindle the curiosity of readers who aren’t happy with the sanitized myths that often become accepted as “common knowledge.” Get ready to give history a second glance when the first two volumes of History Smashers arrive on shelves in July 2020.
