Tools of the Ancient Romans: A Kid's Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Rome (Tools of Discovery series) [Paperback]

Rachel Dickinson (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Tools of Discovery series

Children will learn all about different civilizations and inventions—the way they changed history, their evolution over centuries, and their influence on modern times—through the activities and anecdotes provided in this interactive series.

One thousand years of ancient Roman civilization and its effect on modern living are presented in this interactive guide. Divided into themes and further supplemented by time lines and sidebars, every aspect of Rome is discussed, from Pompeii and gladiator bouts to the technology behind Roman baths and siege machines. A comprehensive "who's who" of ancient Rome explains the various roles within the empire and also takes a look at their daily lives. Children's understanding of the Roman way of life is enhanced with 15 activities that range from creating mosaics to building replicas of Roman ruins.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-Despite its narrowly focused title, this is actually a lively and entertaining survey of a millennium of Roman history. Dickinson gives due attention to architecture and engineering triumphs, to be sure, and includes full chapters on technology, the army, and forms of entertainment. But the larger part of the narrative conveys Rome's growth from city-state to regional power to multiethnic empire along with the shift from a fairly small independent people to a conquering but still republican government to, finally, imperial rule with only the appearance of representative government. The hands-on craft activities scattered throughout include making an abacus, a laurel wreath, a mosaic, and much more. Informative sidebars and illustrations are profuse and attractive. For the most part, Dickinson handles the simplification required for a book for younger readers with aplomb. However, history teachers may cringe to read that the Roman Catholic Church was established under Constantine or that the Pantheon was built by Augustus (rather than, quite famously, by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus). The snappy tone, mostly a great plus, also occasionally falls flat, as when Dickinson tells readers that the mystery religions are so called because we don't know much about them. Still, the book has a marvelous central narrative, direct, lean, and propulsive, with inviting coverage as well of the arts, daily life, and such popular topics as chariot races, gladiators, Pompeii, and even Spartacus. A worthy addition to any library where students are open to the past.-Coop Renner, Hillside Elementary, El Paso, TX
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Review

"Will keep students engaged."  —Curriculum Connections (School Library Journal supplement)

"Teachers will have students explore Roman civilization and learn about the culture and how it affects us today in a fascinating and engaging way. Recommended."  —Library Media Connection

"Interesting text and activities."  —Metrokids Pennsylvania

"You can't go wrong with this teaching tool—it is simply fabulous!"  —Homeschooling Parent

"15 great hands-on activities, including making a toga and a clay vessel, with background historical information, pertinent sidebars and contemporary quotes."  —Calliope

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Nomad Press (January 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974934453
• ISBN-13: 978-0974934457
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #203,047 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #87 in Books > Children's Books > History > Ancient
  • #91 in Books > Children's Books > Travel & Cultures > Explore the World > Europe

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Add this to your bookshelf, July 10, 2006

By 

Kris Bordessa - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tools of the Ancient Romans: A Kid's Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Rome (Tools of Discovery series) (Paperback)

As a home educator, I'm always looking for books that will draw my kids into the time period that they are studying. Tools of the Ancient Romans does this perfectly. Through reading and hands-on activities, kids will gain an understanding of what life was like in ancient Rome. The main text is full of information that kids will find interesting, and peppered throughout are sidebars offering further detail. Each activity relates to the text as kids try their hand at making projects such as an abacus, an amphora or a Roman medal. These activities are great for letting all kids delve into the ancient Roman era, but especially good for kinesthetic learners, as they can get their hands involved in learning!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book to interest your child in Roman history, November 17, 2008

By 

Jeri Nevermind "loves to read" (Idaho) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Tools of the Ancient Romans: A Kid's Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Rome (Tools of Discovery series) (Paperback)

Great book! It's lavishly illustrated, and has plenty of oddball facts that most kids will find cool--such as the fact that "German women often provided hair for use in wigs and hairpieces. Their hair was preferred, probably because it was blonds in color" (p 83). And it isn't just information about history or gods and goddesses. The book also includes activities for your child--like how to make a mosaic, or build Roman ruins.

Roman numerals are introduced in a simple, well illustrated fashion so any child will be able to understand. The chapter on "Remarkable Feats in Engineering and Technology" is a terrific introduction to children to the concept of engineering.

Recommended.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great supplement to a study on Ancient Rome!, June 20, 2008

By 

Concerned about our kids "--concerned" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tools of the Ancient Romans: A Kid's Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Rome (Tools of Discovery series) (Paperback)

My daughter and I enjoyed using these books (also purchased the one on Greece). The activities were useful and relevant to our study, and the information was well-written. Highly recommend.