The Romans

School Library Journal

Gr 4-7--These titles offer sophisticated-looking crafts that children will want to try. Each double-page spread depicts a sample from antiquity whose form or subject inspired the project. A Greek vase yields papier-mache pottery. A photograph of the Forum spawns a "Roman Ruin Desk Organizer" made with tubes and corrugated cardboard. Chapman gives a short description of each object, a list of materials, illustrated step-by-step instructions, and a picture of the finished project. Both books include cultural overviews, safety precautions, and highlighted words defined in a glossary. At odds with current pedagogical thought on the virtues of process and creativity, however, are the author's frequent admonitions to be neat, to imitate the designs to the letter, and to strive for perfection (like the Greeks, she suggests). Ironically, the presentation varies in quality, e.g., the captions range from pinpointing a period and site to being nonexistent. There is no map in The Romans. The directions assume familiarity with craft techniques, so novices will need assistance. However, the books are different enough from the "Craft Topics" series (Watts) to justify purchasing and will provide a creative approach to history. Adults using these titles may want to temper the tone to encourage innovation--in the spirit of the Romans!--Wendy Lukehart, Dauphin County Library, Harrisburg, PA