How to Live Like a Roman Gladiator

August 17, 2015
“The good news is that I survived the journey. The bad news is that I’m at the slave market, about to be sold as a slave.” A first-century villager named Felix narrates his evolution from prisoner to slave to gladiator in this irreverent tour of life in the Roman empire, discussing the legend of Spartacus, the weapons and armament used by different gladiators, and the training they underwent. Epelbaum’s slightly caricatured cartoons are virtually bloodless and almost run the risk of glorifying this brutal combat, if it weren’t for the many grim details in the text. A list of “gory gladiator facts” and a glossary conclude the book. Simultaneously available: How to Live Like a Medieval Knight, How to Live Like a Stone-Age Hunter, and How to Live Like a Viking Warrior. Ages 8–12.

November 1, 2015

Gr 3-5-Adventure-seeking readers will find much to enjoy here. Each book focuses on the life of a young warrior, who describes his training, weapons and armor, and battles. His story is supplemented by background about his culture and its people, brief overviews of the culture's most famous combatants, and numerous step-by-step instructions for training or battle or detailed descriptions of how these fighters carried out their tasks. Each spread has a "Warning!" sidebar about daily dangers. The caricature-style illustrations include depictions of the subject and his companions, his culture, and its buildings and ships. Though a little short on report detail, these lively offerings are likely to capture the imaginations of those who long for tales of bravery and daring escapades. VERDICT Good supplemental purchases for upper elementary readers.

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.