Let’s start off with a little personal anecdote: the first chapter book I ever read was a Magic Tree House book, so they hold a special place in my heart. Ok, enough personal anecdotes. That said, author and homegirl MPO* is definitely running out of cute events in history to send her enterprising young heroes to. So, I’ve taken it upon myself to write some pitches for new Magic Tree House books in previously unmentioned time periods and locations. Sure, these might not be the most photogenic or “kid-friendly” destinations, but I think it’s time Magic Tree House tackled the hard and boring topics in history. Besides, my girl MPO is probably pretty desperate for new material…I’m sure I’ll hear from her publisher any day now.
The Black Death at Breakfast: Jack and Annie arrive in London in 1349 to find that half its population has been decimated by what the Londoners call “The Great Pestilence.” It’s their job to find a magic amulet for Morgan le Fay while avoiding contracting the deadly disease. Why the pseudo-historical witch couldn’t just get her own goddamn amulet becomes a source of tension for the siblings.
Dinner with the Donner Party: As the Donner Party is snowbound in the Sierra Nevada pass, Jack and Annie learn the truth about the historical claims of cannibalism and fratricide. They also befriend a cute dog named Uno who helps them out of a tough situation.
Afternoon in Ancient Mesopotamia: At the dawn of civilization, Jack and Annie meet the hunter-gatherers of ancient Mesopotamia and watch their distant ancestors struggle to farm in the arid soil and create basic tools. Turns out their lives were super boring; Morgan le Fay totally dropped the ball on this one.
Evening of the Inquisition: Jack and Annie travel back in time to early 16th-century Spain at the height of the Spanish Inquisition. After Jack attempts to explain the concept of religious tolerance, Annie must race against time to prevent his fiery execution.
Saturday in the Suburbs: In 1950s Frog Hollow, Jack and Annie meet their parents as children. Unfortunately, their meddling in the space-time continuum results in the siblings never having been born. Also, the USSR wins the Cold War, and the United States becomes a Soviet satellite nation.
*renowned author Mary Pope Osbourne, definitely NOT Mary Pope Osborne. Not her. Nope.
All original Magic Tree House covers via. I’m sorry, MPO.