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What was the ancient world and where was it? This select list of recent titles about cultures long ago and all around the world and their influence on modern times includes both picture books and novels—about heroes from the beginnings of history and Amazon queens, about time travel and a modern girl's take on the past.
These books are available at your local bookstore. Check the ABA's directory of member bookstores for a bookseller near you. You may also purchase these books at BookSense.com.
Note: Showcase titles are selected by the books' publishers, who provide cover art, interior art, and descriptive information.
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Ancient Voices
by Kate Hovey, illustrated by Murray Kimber. Ages 8 and up
Children will love this georgeously illustrated picture book full of the Greek myths that once explained our hearts and our world.
(Margaret K. McElderry Books for Young Readers) |
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The Enemies of Jupiter
by Caroline Lawrence. Ages 11-14
The seventh volume in the popular series of mysteries set in ancient Rome, widely praised for their fast-paced plots, well-drawn characters, and authentic Roman setting.
(Roaring Brook Press) |
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Gilgamesh the Hero
by Geraldine McCaughrean, illustrated by David Parkins. Ages 9 and up
Gilgamesh is thought to have been a real king reigning some time between
3200 B.C. and 2700 B.C. over the Sumerian city of Uruk in Mesopotamia (now
Iraq). This is one of the oldest stories in the world, and it's about things that
still matter to us today: friendship, fame, courage, happiness.
(Eerdmans Books for Young Readers) |
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The Hero Beowulf
by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Uri Shulevitz. Ages 5 up
Based on the classic Old English poem, this retelling provides a new generation with an accessible introduction to this seminal work of literature and to the heroic character who stoically accepts his unknown fate.
(Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers) |
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How the Amazon Queen Fought the Prince of Egypt
written and illustrated by Tamara Bower. Ages 7-11
Can woman conquer man? This book of love and war emphasizes the determination of Amazon women warriors and what they did to protect their land.
(Atheneum Books for Young Readers) |
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The Ms. Frizzle's Adventures
Ancient Egypt
by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen. Ages 6-9
Everyone's favorite teacher is taking on new subjects! Join Ms. Frizzle on a fascinating trip to Ancient Egypt, where history has never been so alive.
(Scholastic Press) |
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The Sea Singer
by Craig Moodie. Ages 11-14
A first-class novel about a Viking hero on a journey across a perilous, unexplored ocean, by an accomplished storyteller.
(Roaring Brook Press) |
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Sword Song
by Rosemary Sutcliff. Ages 10 up
Sutcliff's "descriptive language and dialogue transport readers back to a time and place not usually visited in young people's fiction." —Booklist
(Sunburst Paperbacks/Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers) |
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The World According to Kaley
by Dian Curtis Regan. Ages 9 and up
When asked to write a history essay, a very imaginative girl gives a funny, partly factual, partly personal spin on world history.
(Darby Creek Publishing) |
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