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!
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