Ancient Greece

You know, one of the things that had become more apparent to me this year is that the study of history is not as linear as I'd like. Peoples and empires who I thought came 'right after each other' really lived side by side until circumstances allowed one or the other to take a more prominent place in world affairs. If you'd like to read or study history, it is helpful to do so with a timeline or book of centuries at hand; a way to make a quick note about who was doing what when as you read through this list:

On the Shores of the Great Sea by M.B. Synge. I could tell you that Greece starts in chapter 15, or you could just start at the beginning; you won't regret it.

The Story of the Greeks by Helene A. Guerber - this very excellent book could be used as a survey of Greek history or as history tales; either way, it is definitely worth your time.

Augustus Caesar's World by Genevieve Foster - if you ever come across any of Foster's books in a used book store, pick them up. This one surveys the happenings in Rome, Greece, Israel, Egypt, China, India, and Persia during a roughly 60 year time span. Perfect for ages 10+, but younger children could enjoy it too.

The Chilldren's Plutarch: Tales of the Greeks by F.J. Gould. I could do a whole 'nother post on Plutarch, and maybe someday I will, but I wanted to list this book here as a particularly good resource for younger students (1st - 4th grades) learning about ancient Greece, though that's not to say that older readers won't enjoy it as well. There is also a second volume titled Tales of the Romans.

Thereas and his Town by Caroline Dale Snedeker - an easy read for ages 9-12, this book will take readers from Athens to Sparta, and back again.

Archimedes and the Door of Science by Jeanne Bendick - Beware: you may pick up more math and science from this biography than history!

Herodotus and the Road to History by Jeanne Bendick - reads will discover a lot about ancient Greek customs in this fascinating book.

The Librarian Who Measured the Earth by Kathryn Lasky - I enjoyed this picture book about Eratosthenes, and what's more, I learned something too! Suitable for all ages, though younger kids might get lost in the 2-3 pages that describe his method and discovery.

The First Marathon; The legend of Pheidippides by Susan Reynolds - a fun picture book.

The Trojan Horse: How the Greeks Won the War by Emily Little - always a favorite with our children; perfect for early elementary. 

Myths and Legends

You cannot study the history or literature of the western world without familiarizing yourself with Greek mythology - it is that influential. And like versions of Plutarch, renditions of Greek Myths abound. I will list a few of our favorite compilations here, and leave you free to discover titles that tell of individual heroes or episodes on your own.

The Gods and Goddesses of Olympus by Aliki - perfect gentle introduction to the topic.

D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths by Ingri and Edgar D'Aulaire  - more detailed than the previous title, this offering is probably more suited to the aged 10 and up set.

Black Ships Before Troy, and The Wanderings of Odysseys by Rosemary Sutcliff - If you can, get a hardcover version of these full length text, they come fully illustrated, though a less expensive, not illustrated mass market paperback version is also available. Suitable for middle-graders and up.

The Golden Fleece: And the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles, and The Children's Homer: The Adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy by Padraic Colum - more vocabulary rich offerings for 
readers around age 12 and older. 


  

   

 

How to choose which books to use when there are so many good ones

If you're a homeschooler, or just someone fascinated by how odd we homeschoolers are, you might have read my last post, and wondered, are you guys READING all those books for school? The answer of course, is no way; I wouldn't have time for even half of them. So how did I chose which ones to use? Well, I'm glad you asked.

 The first principle I try to remember is too keep it simple. Less really is more. Yes, I own a lot of books. Yes, nearly all of them are "good books" - I don't waste my money or time on twaddle! But just because I *have* all these great books doesn't mean we have to race through a chapter book a week, or read a new picture book every day. Here's how I choose history books.

I start with a "spine;" this book will be the core of our studies and is usually some type of overview of history. Please note, this does not mean a textbook! Charlotte Mason, the 19th century British educator whose theories and philosophy have shaped mine, stresses the importance of living books in education. In a living book, the author is both passionate and knowledgeable about his or her subject matter, and presents it in an inviting and engaging tone. It is a book to help one see the grand scheme of things.

Next, I chose a book of history tales. These are the little stories of history that are, by necessity, overlooked in the 'big picture' books; stories one remembers long after forgetting the years of Henry VIII's reign: Horatio holding the bridge. Androcles and the Lion. Napoleon taming Bucephalus. Don't know those stories? You're not reading the right books ;) Some examples to follow.

Finally, I choose a high quality historical fiction book. While the true history tales often work to encourage or inspire the reader, historical fiction draws one in, letting you feel what it was like to live in that time place. We read these slowly, to savor them, to have time to digest, and not just rush along from one thrill to the next, in our eagerness to "see what happens" (that type of reading can be done during free time).   

And that's it! Three books for history, per child, per term. If you combine grades/ages it's even less. So here's what it looks like for us right now.

Year/Grade 6
Our Young Folks Josephus 
Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt
God King: A Story in the Days of King Hezekiah 

Years/Grades 2 & 4 (since we primarily read aloud at this stage, I have combined their history readings for my own ease)
On the Shores of the Great Sea
Peeps at Many Lands: Ancient Egypt
If I had to chose one historical fiction offering here, it would be The Golden Goblet.  But since I recently acquired both Boy of the Pyramids and Cat of Bubastes on CD, I wanted to use both of them, and so we are. One of the many beauties of homeschooling is breaking even my own rules.  

Please note: none of the links above are affiliate links. As of right now, I don't make any money when you read my blog or click the links; I include them purely for your ease and to gratify my love of connecting people with good books.  

Ancient Israel & Egypt

Studying ancient history? Want to? This year we are learning about the lives of the ancient Hebrews, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Christians. Here are some of the best books to help you along, for all different ages, with a little commentary interspersed.

Young Folk’s Josephus by William Shepard – an excellent retelling of Old Testament history; I personally feel it begins to read like a battlefield report after the Maccabean rebellion.

On the Shores of the Great Sea by M.B. Synge – this book, with Josephus, is pretty much a complete ancient history course. Unless you want a little more ancient Rome, then also add:

The Discovery of New Worlds by M.B. Synge – covers the rise and fall of Rome to Columbus.

The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt by Elizabeth Payne – one of the famed Landmark Books, the publishers list this title for grades 6 & up. Covers the archeological discoveries that have unearthed the secrets of one of the oldest civilizations.   

Peeps at Many Lands: Ancient Egypt by James Baikie – non-fiction written in an easy, narrative tone. Perfect for ages 6-10.

Pharaoh’s Boat by David Weitzman – fully illustrated, but intended for older children.

The Great Pyramid by Elizabeth Mann  - lavishly illustrated, but for older children. Mann’s books are well done.

Historical Fiction

Boy of the Pyramids by Ruth Fosdick Jones – excellent choice for younger readers/listeners who might  not be ready for some of the other titles listed. They will pick up so much about life in ancient  Egypt in this exciting but gentle story.

The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw – there may be more fiction in this title than the others, but  it was meticulously researched. If your child is too old for Boy of the Pyramids, chose this title instead.

Cat of Bubastes by G.A. Henty - Henty’s historical adventure stories are popular with boys ages 10 and up. This one takes place in Egypt in 1350 B.C. Do yourself a favor and get Jim Weiss’ excellent audio reading of it. Due to battle scenes and some deaths, this may not be suitable for sensative younger listeners.

Hittite Warrior by Joanne Williamson – Israel in the time of judges. Not as well written, in my opinion, as some of the other titles listed, but still interesting.

God King: A Story of King Hezekiah by Joanne Williamson  - excellent story that will take you into the world of the ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, and Jews around 701 B.C.

Victory on the Walls: A Story of Nehemiah by Frieda Clark Hyman – at the time of the temple reconstruction, 445 B.C.

I’ve not read these next three stories, but I plan to. If you have a girl who would balk at the “boy stories” listed above, you may prefer one of these titles:

Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw set during the reign of Thutmose III (1479 –  1425 B.C.); be aware the plot centers on a romance.

Tirzah by Lucille Travis – fictional retelling of the Jewish Exodus. The only criticism I have heard of this book is of poor writing style.

Adara by Beatrice Gormley - a fictional retelling about 2 Kings 5, where Naaman is healed of leprosy. There are some who might disprove of Adara’s headstrong attitude, and subtle feminist and anti-marriage themes.

Picture Books

There are too many to name, but I’ll venture a few:

Mummies Made in Egypt  by Aliki

The Shipwrecked Sailor by Tamara Bower

Tutankhamen’s Gift by Robert Sabuda

Joseph by Brian WIldsmith, and

Exodus by Brian Wildsmith

Up next time: Ancient Greece!