Nonfiction Monday: Bodyguards! From gladiators to the secret service by Ed Butts, art by Scott Plumbe

I've read some other books from Annick Press that have this mixture of text/history and comic panels. This one is the best of what I've read so far and it's certainly not something I've seen done before.

This is a history of bodyguards, from ancient times to the present day. Chapters include a mixture of historical context, descriptions of what bodyguards do, and individual stories of people throughout history. Some of the stories include the Spartans, outlaws of the Wild West, and stories about bodyguards protecting presidents and celebrities.

The current cases, while they include some famous stories especially of attacks on presidents etc., also include scenarios that bodyguards use to train or to explain how they protect people. It's pretty clear which are the historical cases and which are the fictional examples. There is also information for kids who are interested in being bodyguards for a career.

Back matter includes a glossary, timeline, bibliography, and index. I would have liked some links to the security groups quoted and used as examples, but they are easy to find with a little googling.

This book is a really unique blend. Illustrations, comics, text, and factoids all combine to offer an interesting combination of history, fact, and career advice. Most career advice books I've seen focus on weird occupations, white collar jobs, or community service. I'm seeing more titles on military careers, but this combines history and career advice, which is an interesting choice. It is a little heavy on the text at times, and sometimes a little bland, but a good reader won't have a problem.

Verdict: This is something a little different that I think a lot of older middle grade readers will enjoy.

ISBN: 9781554514366; Published 2012 by Annick Press; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Added to order list