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Marcia | 2/20/2014
" I read this aloud to the kids. It's a 6th grade book for Maryn this year and we wanted to get a jump-start on it. It's not a good read-a-loud but it was quite a clever book encorperating different religions and cultres and mystery too. "
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Vicki Cline | 1/24/2014
" This is a very entertaining book about four children who become friends in Ostia in 79 AD. The main character, Flavia, is the daughter of a sea captain, and she lives next door to Jonathan, a Jew whose family has converted to the new religion, Christianity. Her family purchases a young black girl, Nubia, as a slave and companion for Flavia, and the fourth member of the group is Lupus, a young beggar whose tongue was cut out some years ago. They make a great group of kids who are handy as solving mysteries. I had to laugh at the comment of the guilty party after he was caught when he said something along the lines of "I would have gotten away with it if it hadn't been for you meddlesome kids." Reminded me of the Scooby-Do gang. "
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Becky | 1/18/2014
" This book really evoked the Roman era. The descriptive details touched all senses. Great for 8+ readers. "
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Margo Brooks | 12/16/2013
" These are children's books, but they are a lot of fun and I recommend them for kids in 3rd or 4th grade. These books are about 4 children--a sea captain's daughter, a Christian doctor's son, an african slave girl, and a young urchan who has had his tounge cut out who strike up an unlikely friendship and together travel the Roman empire solving mysteries. I've read the first four and the picture that Lawrence paints of ancient Rome is really interesting. Once more, the circumstance the kids find themselves in don't come off as contrived, like they so easily could. The second and third books take place during the erruption of Vesuvius and its aftermath. These descriptions may be frightening for young children, but they were fascinating to read as an adult. Good books to share with a young friend. "
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Lily | 12/15/2013
" I love this book and every part of it. Love the series too. I call this book exeptional!!!!!!!!! do read it. "
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Shirley-ann Garcia | 12/4/2013
" one of the best past history books i've read. "
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Freya | 11/10/2013
" it is very good loved it "
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Dan | 10/27/2013
" In a soundbite? Famous Five set in ancient Rome. NMCOT (not my cup of tea). "
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Phair | 9/30/2013
" What an amazing find! A kid series that reads like an adult novel- gritty realism about life in Roman times. This was such a fun read. Loved the detailed maps (better than the ones in the Falco novels which this book greatly resembles). Cannot wait to read more of these delightful historical novels. "
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Amanda | 9/27/2013
" Read for school but still have to fill out the worksheet on it and it was very interesting. "
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Aaron | 4/1/2013
" I eventually tired of this short children's book. I quit 3/4th the way through. Sorry, but I just could not get into it. "
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Heidi McReynolds | 1/15/2013
" currently listening to the audio book but I just can't get into it. I will get a regular copy and give it another chance. "
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Gabriel M. Clarke | 8/12/2012
" I need to think about this. On the face of it, a pleasant, undemanding read for under-10s but I'm uncomfortable about the level to which Christianity is promoted, particularly in one credulity-stretching scene. "
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Jeanne | 8/10/2012
" A cute story, filled with lots of Roman culture and history. A good read for an elementary school child. I don't plan to read the series, but it seems to be fairly entertaining and educational. "
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JaNel | 4/7/2012
" Book one in the series. A great read-aloud with my 10-year-old about Ancient Rome. "
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Amy Elaine | 4/2/2012
" My 7 yr old nephew lent me this book. I was surprised at how violent and scary it was. "
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Roy | 2/12/2012
" Great little romp through the ancient world "
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Mrs. Guarisco | 11/20/2011
" I learned tons about Roman culture and daily life in this compelling mystery. With its dramatic cliff-hanger chapter endings, suspense, and solid character development, this may make a great read-aloud. "
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Jem | 7/28/2011
" I think this book was pretty okay. It was a bit too simple for my liking though. My favourite character is Jonathan. I might read the series, if I'm in the mood. "
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Magda | 7/7/2011
" Some of the historical things didn't make sense (wish I could recall the specifics), but overall it's quite enjoyable. "
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JaNel | 4/23/2011
" Book one in the series. A great read-aloud with my 10-year-old about Ancient Rome.
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Jeanne | 7/23/2010
" A cute story, filled with lots of Roman culture and history. A good read for an elementary school child. I don't plan to read the series, but it seems to be fairly entertaining and educational.
"
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Mrs. Guarisco | 10/19/2009
" I learned tons about Roman culture and daily life in this compelling mystery. With its dramatic cliff-hanger chapter endings, suspense, and solid character development, this may make a great read-aloud.
"
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Magda | 6/23/2009
" Some of the historical things didn't make sense (wish I could recall the specifics), but overall it's quite enjoyable.
"
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