TruthQuest History Ancient Rome provides a Biblical literature-based approach to history. It is designed for students in grades five through twelfth. The guidebook, available as a spiral-bound book or a digital download provides the background information and literature lists for the course. In addition to the guidebook, additional resources are available including either a PDF binder builder from A Journey to Learning, which is a fancy lapbook or a notebooking PDF which provides notebook pages designed to guide the student’s learning. Also, a PDF is available that includes Maps, Timelines, and Report materials from A Journey to Learning. Although it is designed for students in grades five through twelve, younger siblings could also take part - especially if using the supplemental materials.

The digital download provides the ability to search for information quickly and easily, while the physical book makes it easy to take on the go. The Binder Builder or Notebooking Pages from A Journey to Learning supply excellent resources for guiding learning. The Binder Builder is suitable for grades one and up. The Notebook pages are designed for students in fifth grade and up. Families use a “spine” or primary source for gathering general information. Then families can select from the book lists that are provided. These lists are broken down by grades.

For each lesson, background information is provided that includes historical facts, Scripture references, writing prompts, activities, and more. Books listed may indicate they are appropriate for grades one through eight, or grades four through twelve for example. This feature allows parents or students to determine exactly what books they wish to use either by convenience or interest level.

Film suggestions are also provided a visual and auditory opportunity with the curriculum. A list of activities is provided that use the supplemental materials from A Journey Through Learning. ThinkWrite prompts are also provided throughout the guide allowing students to make written connections about what they are reading and learning.

I used this book with our sixteen-year-old daughter because she enjoys using other methods besides typical textbooks to learn about history. She enjoyed the freedom and flexibility this resource provides. If she found something that really caught her interest, I allowed her to spend more time on that section. Similarly, if something did not capture her attention, I allowed her to spend less time on those sections. Also, I chose to do the course along with her. I have always enjoyed reading as well as learning about history, so this course was perfect for us to do together.

I personally loved the hands-on components from A Journey Through Learning. These resources provide the perfect supplement to the book. These resources allow families with children of different ages to work on the material at their own level of understanding. Being able to use one resource for my children simplified and streamlined our homeschooling process.

I also loved the flexibility of having both a physical book along with the digital version. As a military family, having something that I can load on a tablet and take with us makes our life much easier. I found the book recommendations to be perfect for our family. Our daughter and I enjoyed reading them individually and then coming together to discuss what we had read. We found this to be an excellent way to learn about history from a Biblical perspective.

-Product Review by Patti Pierce, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, July 2019