Ancient Rome (Tales of the Dead) by Stewart Ross Date of Publication: 2004 ISBN: 0756611474 Number of Pages: 32

REQUIRED READING ABILITY: Junior: Average Intermediate: Average
GENRES: Non-fiction/Graphic novel
THEMES:Good versus Evil - Life versus Death - Sacrifice and Redemption - Family
Prejudice - Loyalty - Appearance versus Reality - Coming of Age - Survival - Isolation

SUMMARY:
In the graphic novel that runs around each page of the book, Publius and Sabina are children of Juba, a widower in the service of Rome's army. As the story begins, the siblings are happy to hear their father has been given his Roman citizenship because of loyal service to Commander Hortalus. Before they can do more than celebrate the news, however, their town in Northern Africa is attacked by a traveling Roman army putting down rebellions. Juba is injured when he confronts the soldiers to declare his allegiance to Rome, and the children are captured as slaves. Their many experiences are documented as they travel to Rome and eventually discover their father is alive, has come to rescue them, and is now in mortal danger in the Colosseum. Can they rescue him and save the day?

In the non-fiction body of the book, readers are taken on a journey through related information that covers the people, places, and things both Publius and Sabina encounter on their adventures. With labels, diagrams, captions, maps, cross-sections, and an index at the back of the book, readers learn about Roman religion, childhood, slavery, recreation, and many other aspects of Roman life.

WHO WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK? A kid who...
- loves the Eyewitness series of books from Dorling-Kindersley (DK)
- is interested in learning more about Rome
- likes graphic novels
- needs pictures to understand concepts
- enjoys quality non-fiction illustrated to appeal to all

WHAT ELSE?
This book is part of a series that includes books about Ancient Egypt, Ancient China, and Ancient Greece.

The descriptions about slavery, the gladiators, etc. are very matter-of-fact and not romanticized, but they aren't gratuitously gory. There is also a crucifixion portrayed as a consequence for rebellion, and other elements of historic life in the time are equally outlined (e.g. sacrifice). The only other illustration that might provoke comment is one bare breast exposed on Venus (and it's a very small, minor picture). Be prepared.