Bones and Berserkers (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales #13): 13 True Tales of Terror from American History
#13 in Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales Series
What’s inside...
Bones and Berserkers is the thirteenth entry in Nathan Hale’s award-winning graphic-nonfiction series. Using the familiar framing device of Revolutionary-era spy Nathan Hale stalling for time before his hanging, the book presents thirteen short, fact-based stories drawn from different periods of United States history. Each episode highlights a real-life disaster, unexplained event, or moment of extreme peril, combining black-humor narration, dramatic comics panels, and primary-source sidebars to keep readers laughing while they learn. The result is a spooky, fast-moving tour through three centuries of American history that shows how courage, curiosity, and quick thinking can surface even in the scariest situations.
Character compass
Nathan Hale
Hangman
British Officer (Provost)
Discussion points
Which historical incident surprised you the most, and why?
How did newspapers or rumors make each situation worse?
What modern safety rules came from these tragedies?
Did humor make the scary parts easier to read?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a globe or map to locate each story’s setting.
Compare the historical dangers with present-day equivalents.
Encourage kids to create their own illustrated safety poster based on a chapter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Critical thinking over rumor-mongering
Explanation: Characters who question exaggerated reports fare better than those who panic.
Real-World Application: Ask for evidence before sharing alarming news online.
Example Lesson: Preparedness saves lives
Explanation: Industrial disasters illustrate the cost of ignored safety warnings.
Real-World Application: Follow safety drills at school and home seriously.
Example Lesson: History repeats if we forget it
Explanation: Recurring themes of neglect and hysteria appear across centuries.
Real-World Application: Study past mistakes to advocate for safer communities.