Fiona MacDonaldHistory · Non-Fiction·b. 1958
You Wouldn't Want to Be ...
You Wouldn't Want to Be ...
Ongoing series · 7 booksAbout this series
Created and designed by David Salariya, this illustrated non-fiction history series drops young readers into the shoes of history's unluckiest figures, from a medieval knight to a Second World War tank crewman. Each book is told in the first person, with cartoon illustrations and a "you'd rather not" framing that plays the grim realities of the past for laughs.
The series is unnumbered — every title stands alone. In the UK, Salariya's Book House imprint published many of the same titles under the series name The Danger Zone, with titles beginning "Avoid ..." instead; those are the same books under a different market name.
Books
Frequently asked questions
What is the reading order for the You Wouldn't Want to Be series?
Each book in the You Wouldn't Want to Be series focuses on a distinct historical scenario, making them entirely standalone. Readers can pick up any title in any order without missing crucial context or plot developments.
Are there any spin-off series related to You Wouldn't Want to Be?
The You Wouldn't Want to Be series has a companion series titled "You Wouldn't Want to Live Without..." which explores the history of essential inventions and concepts. While distinct, they share a similar educational and engaging approach to history.
What makes the You Wouldn't Want to Be series unique for young readers?
This series stands out by using a direct, immersive second-person perspective, placing the reader directly into challenging historical roles. It focuses on the often-overlooked, less glamorous, and sometimes humorous realities of daily life and survival in different eras.