The Best Book of Ancient Rome
Grade 3-5 - The book begins with a discussion of the historical founding of the city (there is no mention of the mythical story of Romulus and Remus); touches on various topics such as daily life, the home, and leisure; and ends with the fall of the Roman Empire and Rome as a modern city. Each topic is covered in a two-page chapter with an introductory paragraph and several sidebars. The detailed full-page paintings and spot art that appear throughout are clear and well labeled. On the whole, this book is similar to the "Eyewitness" series (DK), but written for younger students and with fewer pictures and captions. While there is not enough information here for in-depth reports, this attractive and engaging title could be used for simple assignments, as supplementary information, for its illustrations, or as leisure reading.- Lynda S. Poling, Long Beach Public Library, CACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.