What Do We Know About the Curse of King Tut's Tomb?
What Do We Know About? Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Part of the highly regarded Who HQ "What Do We Know About?" series, this nonfiction title invites readers ages 8–12 to sift through fact and legend surrounding the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922. Author Ben Hubbard recounts Howard Carter’s dramatic find, the worldwide media frenzy that followed, and the eerie tales of a deadly curse. Blending archaeology, ancient Egyptian beliefs, and modern science, the book helps children evaluate evidence, separate myth from reality, and appreciate the wonders of history while sharpening critical-thinking skills.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Howard Carter
Lady Evelyn Herbert
George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon
King Tutankhamun
Discussion points
Why do you think people were eager to believe in a curse?
How do scientists test ideas that began as legends?
What responsibilities do archaeologists have toward ancient graves?
Which piece of evidence convinced you most about the curse’s reality?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a two-column ‘Evidence For/Against’ chart together.
Watch a short documentary clip and compare it with the book’s facts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Question sensational stories.
Explanation: Readers weigh facts versus rumors around the curse.
Real-World Application: Verify online claims before sharing.
Example Lesson: Respect cultural heritage.
Explanation: Shows modern care for Tut’s artifacts.
Real-World Application: Value museums and preserve local history.
Example Lesson: Science explains the unknown.
Explanation: Modern tests debunk supernatural theories.
Real-World Application: Use experiments to solve everyday mysteries.
Example Lesson: Perseverance leads to discovery.
Explanation: Carter spent years searching before success.
Real-World Application: Keep trying when learning hard skills.