Ancient Rome
Jasper professes no interest in history, so I have to go about presenting it a bit sneakily. Historical fiction has been an amazing gateway to learning all sorts of things about specific historical periods. Jasper and I were both very excited to find Caroline Lawrence's Roman Mysteries. They begin with The Thieves of Ostia (The Roman Mysteries)
which is set in the Roman port of Ostia. Ostia was right at the mouth of the Tiber River on the Mediterranean, with Rome situated up the Tiber River about 18 miles. We found this book on the audiobook shelf of our library. It's the sort of book I would have easily dismissed if I'd realized it's the first of a 17 book series, marketed like just another cheesy paperback fiction series for kids. But while most books of this sort are merely intended to entertain, these are quite different. Each book is specifically intended to share some facet of ancient Roman life. The author is obviously really passionate about this time period, and goes into great detail to make it come alive. Real historical figures are characters in the story, and a final chapter of each book explains the real history behind the narrative. The second book details the eruption of Vesuvius, a subject that is sure to enthrall kids. These books are really fun to read, and have been invaluable as gateways to ancient Rome. Other books in the series find the characters traveling to other famous parts of the Roman Empire, including Greece, Egypt, and even London.
which is set in the Roman port of Ostia. Ostia was right at the mouth of the Tiber River on the Mediterranean, with Rome situated up the Tiber River about 18 miles. We found this book on the audiobook shelf of our library. It's the sort of book I would have easily dismissed if I'd realized it's the first of a 17 book series, marketed like just another cheesy paperback fiction series for kids. But while most books of this sort are merely intended to entertain, these are quite different. Each book is specifically intended to share some facet of ancient Roman life. The author is obviously really passionate about this time period, and goes into great detail to make it come alive. Real historical figures are characters in the story, and a final chapter of each book explains the real history behind the narrative. The second book details the eruption of Vesuvius, a subject that is sure to enthrall kids. These books are really fun to read, and have been invaluable as gateways to ancient Rome. Other books in the series find the characters traveling to other famous parts of the Roman Empire, including Greece, Egypt, and even London.
by Marissa Moss is another book of historical fiction about ancient Rome. This one concerns Augustus, Rome's first emperor, and is told from the point of view of Galen, a 12 year old slave and apprentice muralist. The story is in journal format with lots of little drawings. It's only a 48 page book, but it packs in a lot of history. The author carefully explains how she based her story on real historical people and events, and what elements were strictly her own. We thought it was quite delightful! Ms. Moss obviously loves the journal format and has many other books employing it as well, including four about American history. 
in Spectacular Cross-Section, by Stephen Biesty, is a sort of day-in-the-life-of story about the son of a Roman senator in 128AD. The illustrations are absolutely brilliant, giving the reader a clear view of both the exterior and inner workings of some really amazing buildings all at once. Jasper has spent many happy hours gazing at the lavish detail of these drawings. In addition to historical fiction, I've been supplementing our reading with lots of nonfiction on Rome, including some fun documentary films. The amount of material available is simply staggering, and the relevance of ancient Rome to the present day is surprising. We've learned about excavations at Pompeii and all over the Roman empire, including sites still being discovered under many modern cities, dives that have revealed Roman ships sunk in the Mediterranean, and the incredible technology the Romans employed, some of which is still in use today. Once you've started a unit on ancient Rome, it's hard to stop!
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