Ancient Rome provides the backdrop for this story, A Triumph for Flavius. A young boy's father returns victorious from Corinth, having defeated it utterly. A procession of doomed Corinthian captives is led through the streets of Rome. One of these Greeks, Ariphron is kept as a pedagogue to the boy, Flavius, and through him, Flavius learns about the larger world and about the brutality that marked Roman conquest. Much of Roman culture, including customs, family relationships, and religious beliefs, is featured in this brief story. The places of Rome are also made real: the seven hills, the Via Appia, the Via Sacra, and the Forum to name a few. Students in grades 3-5 are the intended audience for this book.

--Product Review by: Anne Weiland, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine

And another review!

I am always on the lookout for books that my younger readers can enjoy, especially relating to history or science. I was very pleased to find two books by Caroline Dale, published by American Home-School Publishing.

Theras and His Town is set in Athens and Sparta in Ancient Greece and tells the story of a young man and his family. Theras is a seven-year-old Athenian boy, learning in school and enjoying life in his beautiful city. But, hardship comes when war takes his father to the battlefield. Misadventures take him to Sparta, and there are many opportunities for Theras to overcome adversity in his travels home to Athens. My son Rex had this to say about Theras and His Town: "I like the book because Theras is loyal to his country and also because they love each other in his family." This book is 237 pages long and is an excellent supplement to your study of Ancient Greece.

A Triumph for Flavius is another piece of historical fiction, written for Grades 3-5. Set in Ancient Rome, this story centers on an eight-year-old boy named Flavius. His father, a Roman general, has just returned from a victory over the Greek city of Corinth. Flavius' father brings him a slave from Corinth, and the growing relationship between Flavius and his slave is the heart of the story. We are also given glimpses of Ancient Rome, including a general's victory procession and a student's school routine. The character of Flavius is admirable, and the lessons his family learns are touching. This book, 87 pages long with several black and white sketches, is a great resource for a family studying Ancient Rome.


--Product Review by: Diane Wheeler, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine