CM Magazine: Step into the Roman Empire.

________________ CM . . . . Volume V Number 5 . . . . October 30, 1998

Step into the Roman Empire (Step into Series).

Philip Steele. Jenny Hall (consultant).
London, UK: Lorenz Books (Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books), 1997.
64 pp., hardcover, $12.95.
ISBN 1-85967-526-3.

Subject Headings:
Rome-History-Empire, 284-476-Juvenile literature.
Rome-Social life and customs-Juvenile literature.

Grades 4 - 8 / Ages 9 - 13.
Review by Janice Foster.

**** /4

excerpt:

Rome's rise to power was sudden and spectacular. Its eventful history includes bloody battles, eccentric emperors, amazing inventions and remarkable feats of engineering. The Roman Empire prospered for almost 500 years, and still influences the way we live today.

Step into the Roman Empire provides its readers with a unique glimpse at one of the greatest civilizations in history. The interesting format allows for an interactive reading experience. Many of the double page spreads provide an activity such as constructing an aqueduct, making a Roman game, or designing and wearing Roman armour. These activities, together with the clear, informative text, let the reader become actively engaged in creating and understanding this fascinating period.

Author Philip Steele has produced a comprehensive history of the Roman Empire for young readers. The wide variety of topics are each covered via a double page spread. The 30 headings include "Rulers of Rome," "Home Comforts," "In the Forum," "Doctors and Medicine," and "Weapons and Armour." The clearly written textual information is interspersed with an interesting assortment of photographs, pictorial timelines, fact boxes, cross-section historical maps, and 15 step-by-step projects. A table of contents, an index and a glossary make this book a useful resource for research.

People of all ages are fascinated by the past. Step into the Roman Empire allows young readers to marvel at Roman feats of engineering such as the Pantheon and inventions such as central heating. They can discover fascinating facts about Roman life and see how history links to their present lives. An excellent, engaging introduction into the study of history.

Also by the same author - Step Into Ancient Egypt.

Highly recommended.

Janice Foster is an elementary teacher/librarian/enrichment facilitator in Fort Garry School Division No. 5, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - OCTOBER 30, 1998.