Illus. in full color. "The drama of natural disasters provides prime material to entice young independent readers. In this volume, the account of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius describes village life 2,000 years ago, the eruption itself and its aftermath, and the excitement when the buried town is rediscovered centuries later. A lively and factual glimpse of a devastating moment in history, in an accessible, attractive package."--Publishers Weekly.
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
The drama and fascination of natural disasters provide prime material to entice young independent readers, particularly those who prefer stories based on true incidents. In this volume of the Step into Reading series, the account of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius describes village life 2000 years ago, including the activities of "the family who lived in one of the biggest houses. . . . The father began to dress. His slave helped him." From this noncommittal narration readers glean many facets of an ancient lifestyle, reinforced by deft pastel illustrations. Meanwhile, tension mounts; we know "something terrible is going to happen." The eruption and its aftermath are vividly described, as is the excitement when the buried town is rediscovered centuries later. A lively and factual glimpse of a devastating moment in history, in an accessible, attractive package. Ages 6-8.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3 A flawed attempt at conveying a complex historical subject to inexperienced readers. Information about Pompeii is conveyed in one long narrative arbitrarily divided into three chapters. There is a brief description of what a volcano is and how it works, followed by a fictionalized account of what the people in Pompeii were doing on the day of the eruption and what happened to the inhabitants when Vesuvius blew up. The final chapter gives some information about the rediscovery of Pompeii and its excavation by archaeologists. In an attempt to simplify the ideas in the book, Kunhardt has oversimplified the prose. Sentences are choppyalmost joltingand reminiscent of a basal reader. Pronunciation guides are given in the text in a jarring manner: ``These pictures are called mosaics. Say: mo-ZAY-iks.'' The cartoonlike illustrations are colorful and attractive, but they are not clearly drawn or labeled. This book doesn't work as a picture book or as nonfiction. Libraries would do better to wait for better quality easy history books to come along. Ellen Loughran, Brooklyn Public Lib .
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By K. Cooley
Format:Paperback
As a 2nd grade teacher, I've been sharing this book with my students for about 2 years now. It keeps any group mesmorized! The best part about it is the way it makes kids understand that the people of Pompeii were just regular people going about their daily routines when Vesuvius erupted. They especially feel a connection with the little boy Pliny who watched the eruption from across the water and wrote about it in his later years. It is a great book to use as part of a classroom volcano unit or by itself.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By E. Fegley
Format:Paperback
Good children's books on Ancient Rome are hard to find so when I came across Pompeii... Buried Alive!, I bought two copies for my son's and daughter's libraries.
The first chapter gives a glimpse into the lives of the people under the rule of the Roman Empire. Mount Vesuvius is introduced along with the assumption that the people of Pompeii were not aware that they were living beside a dangerous volcano.
The correct pronounciations are given for Pompeii and Vesuvius which are often mispronounced by children as well as adults.
In chapter two, the volcano erupts and descriptions are given as to how the people reacted. Descriptions are also given as to how the volcano eruption affected the air, sky, land, and sea.
The town of pompeii was buried under hot ash.
In the final chapter, chapter 3, Pompeii is forgotten. Time passes. A new town is built overtop of ancient Pompeii.
Workers, who were tunnelling for water, discover pieces of an ancient wall and, years later, Pompeii is rediscovered.
Pompeii... Buried Alive! is not only a well-rounded, excellent book, it is a necessity for teaching children about Pompeii. Everything a child needs to know are in its pages.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
A Kid's Review
Format:Paperback
Today I am going to tell you about a book that I ready this year for school. It is called "Pompeii... buried alive", written by Edith Kunhardt. It is my favorite book that I have ready this year because it tells about a real volcano and how it destroyed a town called Pompeii.
My favorite part of the book was when the volcano erupted. The book said that the smell was like rotten eggs!
When I read this book, deep down in side me, I was scared. I think you will want to read this book if you are interested in volcano's
My favorite part of the book was when the volcano erupted. The book said that the smell was like rotten eggs!
When I read this book, deep down in side me, I was scared. I think you will want to read this book if you are interested in volcano's
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Volcano
I loved POMPEII...BURIED ALIVE! It is about a city buried in Roma long ago. My favorite part was the eruption of the volcano because there was fire and deadly gas. Read more
Published 1 month ago
3.0 out of 5 stars
The story of Pompeii has always fascinated me
This is a level 4 book and is readable at this level. The issue I had is the content and illustrations seem a little better suited for older kids. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Nate Christensen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great as a creative writing starter!
Except for the fact that this book doesn't cover all the Pompeian’s who DID heed the warning signs that Vesuvius was about to blow (the majority of the estimated population of... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Bets'
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great easy reader with advanced topic
Great non fiction book for my 7 year old Grandson. It is advanced non fiction topic, but with lots of pictures to keep his attention. Read more
Published 5 months ago by KathieO
5.0 out of 5 stars
Kids Devour It--Over and Over!
My children, 7 and 5 (and 3) love this book! We purchased it for school, but it is often off the shelves. They love the volcano pictures and text. Read more
Published 13 months ago by OneNationUnderGod
5.0 out of 5 stars
Grandson is HAPPY!
Bought this book for my grandson's Christmas present, and he was thrilled. We have read it together over and over and over. He never tires of it. Quick delivery! Read more
Published 16 months ago by D. Alighieri
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great story
I bought this book for my grandson to read and when he's finished, to donate to the school library.
He won't let it go. Read more
He won't let it go. Read more
Published on October 6, 2010 by Halewis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pompeii...Buried Alive! (Step into reaading)
This is a great book! The pictures and facts are very interesting and easily keep a child's attention. My son wanted to read it again as soon as we finished.
Published on April 20, 2009 by busymom3
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pompeii, Buried Alive
This book is an easily accessible introduction to earth science. It is an easy reader for children in second, third or fourth grade, It would also work well for English learners. Read more
Published on January 15, 2008 by M. M. Hennessy
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pompeii ... Buried Alive
I bought the book so that I could have a condensed version of the story. It was well worth the money. Good illustrations.
Published on September 3, 2005 by Vanessa B. Stevens
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