A parent might reach for this book when their child is fascinated by 'bad guys' from history or movies and they want to provide a factual, engaging context. This book explores the true stories of notorious 20th-century gangsters like Al Capone, Bonnie and Clyde, and John Dillinger, detailing their crimes, their fame, and their ultimate downfall. It taps into a child's curiosity about rule-breaking and justice, framing these thrilling historical events within a clear moral context of consequences. For readers aged 9 to 14, it's a responsible way to explore a 'taboo' subject, turning a potential interest in glamorized crime into a lesson in history and morality.
Discusses alcohol (bootlegging during Prohibition) as a key historical context.
Moral AmbiguityMild
Presents criminals as complex figures, though ultimately shows the negative consequences of their actions.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly and factually with violence, crime, and death. Descriptions of shootouts, bank robberies, and murders are central to the stories. The approach is historical and secular, focusing on the actions and their consequences within the legal system. The resolution for each featured gangster is realistic and grim (imprisonment or death), reinforcing the message that crime ultimately leads to a negative outcome.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 10 to 13-year-old who is captivated by action and history but may be a reluctant reader of fiction. They are drawn to stories about anti-heroes, heists, and historical conflicts. This child likely enjoys action movies or video games and will appreciate that these incredible stories are true.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware that the book does not shy away from the violent realities of its subject matter. While not graphically detailed, it plainly discusses murder and violent death. A parent might want to preview chapters covering events like the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. A pre-reading conversation about the difference between real-life crime and its portrayal in entertainment could be beneficial. A parent has overheard their child expressing admiration for a fictional villain or a historical outlaw, saying something like, "Bonnie and Clyde were so cool." The parent is looking for a book that can satisfy this curiosity while also providing the real, non-glamorized historical context and consequences.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will likely focus on the action elements: the Tommy guns, the getaways, and the larger-than-life personalities. For them, it's a collection of true adventure stories. An older reader (12-14) is better equipped to understand the historical context, such as the Great Depression and Prohibition, and to contemplate the social and moral questions the stories raise about fame, poverty, and justice.
What Makes It Special
Unlike more academic nonfiction for this age, Usborne's True Stories series excels at packaging history into a fast-paced, narrative-driven, and highly illustrated format. It reads less like a textbook and more like a collection of thrilling short stories, making it exceptionally accessible and appealing to middle-grade readers who crave excitement.
Read plot summary
This nonfiction book offers a collection of biographical sketches of famous gangsters from the early 20th century. Each chapter focuses on a specific figure or group, such as Al Capone, John Dillinger, or Bonnie and Clyde. The book details their rise from obscurity, their most infamous crimes (like the St. Valentine's Day Massacre), their cat-and-mouse games with law enforcement, and their eventual capture or violent death.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The book mentions that during the Great Depression, some people saw bank robbers like John Dillinger as heroes. Why do you think they felt that way?
2
Al Capone was a powerful and violent crime boss, but he was convicted on charges of tax evasion. What does this tell you about the law and how justice can be achieved?
3
Bonnie Parker wrote poetry and sent photos to newspapers, making her and Clyde famous. How did the media at the time shape their story? How might it be different today with social media?
4
After reading about the lives and deaths of these gangsters, does a life of crime seem more exciting or more tragic to you? Explain your answer using examples from the book.
