Rome

Children's Literature

This short book provides a broad overview of the history and people of Ancient Rome. The text is accompanied by detailed drawings of sculpture, architecture, art, and clothing. Most chapters or sections are just two pages long, and the majority of the page is devoted to the colorful drawings that bring the readers into the passages. The main text is accompanied by detailed descriptions of the pictures, as well as a number of factual sidebars. The text covers the highlights of ancient Rome, including the founding of Rome, mythology, Pompeii, and Roman law, among other topics. In addition to the main text, Bargallo provides a table of contents, a glossary, a chronology from the beginning of Rome (753 B.C.) to its fall (410 A.D.), and a list of famous people. There is also a comprehensive index to help young readers navigate the nonfiction material. Although the information is not covered in great depth, the book is a good introduction to features of ancient Rome and likely provides a nice accompaniment to classroom textbooks. Part of the "Ancient Civilizations" series. 2006, Chelsea House Publishers, Ages 9 to 13.
—Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger