Cruel Crime

A parent might reach for this book when their child develops a fascination with the gory, gruesome, and just plain weird parts of history. Part of the wildly popular Horrible Histories series, 'Cruel Crime' dives into the world of crime and punishment across different eras, from ancient Roman laws to Victorian prisons. It's packed with shocking facts, humorous illustrations, and bizarre stories that make history feel alive and exciting. While the content is definitely gruesome, it's presented with a light, comical touch that appeals to middle grade readers. This is an excellent choice for a reluctant reader, a history buff, or any child curious about how societies have dealt with justice, fairness, and the very concept of good versus evil.