Brave Cloelia: Retold from the Account in The History of Early Rome by the Roman Historian Titus Livius [Hardcover]

Jane Curry (Author), Jeff Crosby (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

In his History of Early Rome, the ancient historian Livy tells the story of a Roman girl named Cloelia who was taken prisoner by Larth Porsena, the king of the Etruscans. Cloelia came up with a daring plan of escape from her Etruscan captors and in the process won the admiration of all Rome and of the Etruscan king himself, who freed her. For saving her city, a grateful Rome set up a statue in her honor, the first such ever to be put on the Sacred Way. Jane Louise Curry tells this exciting and true story in Brave Cloelia, beautifully illustrated by Jeff Crosby. Jane Louise Curry is the author of many books for young people, most recently Hold Up the Sky and Other Indian Tales of Texas and the Southwest and The Egyptian Box. Brave Cloelia is his sixth children's book.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4 - This colorfully illustrated version of a little-known story from the early history of ancient Rome tells of a girl who was one of the hostages given to the Etruscan king as part of a treaty. When Cloelia plotted an escape with some of her friends, the king demanded that she return to honor the agreement. She agreed, gaining the admiration of King Larth, who granted her the opportunity to select other hostages to return home with her. Cloelia's courage and daring were acknowledged by the city of Rome with the casting of a statue in her honor. Whether actual history or a legend, this is an inspiring tale of a brave young heroine and would be a useful addition to Roman history collections. The text is well written, and the handsome, richly colored, full-page illustrations successfully depict the action and setting. - Cynthia M. Sturgis, Ledding Library, Milwaukie, OR
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From Booklist

Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. Because King Larth and the Etruscan soldiers have besieged Rome and demanded 200 hostages, Cloelia and her family are sent to the Etruscan camp. Two nights later, Cloelia leads a group of girls who escape from the guards and swim across the River Tiber, back to Rome. When King Larth demands her return, Cloelia goes with dignity and wins not only his respect but also the release of 40 more hostages. Perhaps historical, perhaps legendary, this story is based on Livy's The History of Early Rome, which was written several centuries after the events described. Though the opening paragraphs setting up the situation in the Etruscan camp are a bit stilted and confusing, the rest of the story reads well. Some of the colorful illustrations feature pleasing scenes and sensitive portrayals of individuals, while others seem stiff and idealized. The ancient Roman setting makes this picture book for older children a natural for schools with a classical curriculum, though consider it a secondary choice for the target audience. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 34 pages
• Publisher: J. Paul Getty Museum; 1 edition (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892367636
• ISBN-13: 978-0892367634
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 10.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #554,209 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Narrative on Early Rome, October 21, 2008

By 

C. M. Wells (Fort Worth, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Brave Cloelia: Retold from the Account in The History of Early Rome by the Roman Historian Titus Livius (Hardcover)

I liked this book mostly because it is one of the few books on the Etruscans and early Romans out there that is written for small children. The story itself is somewhat average but it's a great supplement to a history timeline.