📖 Overview
Georgia Bragg is an American author known for writing non-fiction books for young readers, particularly focusing on historical figures and events presented in an engaging narrative style.
Her most recognized work is "How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous" (2011), which details the deaths of notable historical figures including King Tut, Marie Curie, and Einstein. The book's success led to a follow-up title "How They Choked: Failures, Flops, and Flaws of the Awfully Famous" (2014).
Prior to her career as an author, Bragg worked as an artist and advertising professional. She has collaborated with her husband, illustrator Kevin O'Malley, on several of her published works.
Bragg's writing style combines historical accuracy with accessibility, making complex subjects approachable for middle-grade readers. Her books have received recognition from various educational organizations and are frequently used in school libraries and classrooms.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Bragg's humor and ability to make history engaging for middle-grade audiences, particularly in "How They Croaked" and "How They Disappeared." Parents and teachers note that her books spark interest in historical figures among reluctant readers.
Common praise focuses on:
- Making grim topics accessible through funny writing
- Including lesser-known historical details
- Kevin O'Malley's illustrations complementing the text
Main criticisms:
- Some find the tone too flippant for serious subjects
- A few parents object to graphic medical descriptions
- Occasional factual inaccuracies noted by history buffs
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
"How They Croaked" - 4.1/5 (6,800+ ratings)
"How They Disappeared" - 4.0/5 (400+ ratings)
Amazon:
"How They Croaked" - 4.6/5 (1,200+ ratings)
"How They Disappeared" - 4.7/5 (150+ ratings)
Multiple teachers report using her books to hook students on history, with one noting: "Finally found something that gets my middle schoolers excited about historical figures."
📚 Books by Georgia Bragg
How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous - A nonfiction book detailing the deaths of 19 historical figures including King Tut, Napoleon, and Marie Antoinette.
How They Choked: Failures, Flops, and Flaws of the Awfully Famous - An examination of notable failures and mistakes made by historical figures such as Susan B. Anthony, Vincent Van Gogh, and Marco Polo.
Caught! Nabbing History's Most Wanted - A collection of true stories about famous outlaws, criminals, and con artists throughout history and how they were eventually captured.
Matisse on the Loose - A middle-grade novel about a boy who accidentally damages a Matisse painting at an art museum and attempts to fix his mistake.
How They Choked: Failures, Flops, and Flaws of the Awfully Famous - An examination of notable failures and mistakes made by historical figures such as Susan B. Anthony, Vincent Van Gogh, and Marco Polo.
Caught! Nabbing History's Most Wanted - A collection of true stories about famous outlaws, criminals, and con artists throughout history and how they were eventually captured.
Matisse on the Loose - A middle-grade novel about a boy who accidentally damages a Matisse painting at an art museum and attempts to fix his mistake.