Detectives in Togas

My children and I enjoyed many books in our years of home schooling. This week I am going to tell you about one of the books we read in our study of Rome. Reading books about the different historical periods was(and still is) a wonderful way to learn about history.

This tale of school age boys in Rome and their adventures to solve a mystery made learning about Rome intriguing. As they interacted with their teacher, we learned about Roman education. As they ran around the city, we discovered the make-up  and architecture of Rome. As the boys sought answers to their mysteries, we learned about Roman society. All of this information was woven throughout an interesting adventure as the boys of Xanthos' school sought to rescue their friend and schoolmate. Detectives in Togas is a Middle Grade story of 6 boys and their adventures. Why did they find their teacher bound and gagged? Why were Rufus' clothes under his bed soaking wet, and where did he disappear to? Who broke into their teacher's home? Who implicated Rufus in desecrating a Roman temple? Who desecrated the temple by writing "Caius is a dumbbell" on the temple wall? These are the mysteries that Rufus' five friends must solve in order to rescue him. 

Overall this is well done and I highly recommend it. But there is one thing I have to point out. It is that parents or caregivers talk to their children about name calling. This is never addressed or corrected in the book, nor is it necessary in the context of the story. It is a matter that is for parents or caregivers to discuss. I simply wanted to make you aware.

That's it for this week. I will be back with another review next month. Meanwhile, enjoy good books as a family. Reading together becomes a cherished memory.