The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome

A Handbook for Time Travelers

Illustrated by David Sossella
Look inside
$8.99 US
Penguin Young Readers | Puffin Books
48 per carton
On sale Aug 20, 2019 | 9781101998106
Age 8-12 years
Reading Level: Lexile 1010L
Sales rights: World
From the publishing house that brought you the Who Was? books comes the next big series to make history approachable, engaging, and funny!

The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome
 contains information vital to the sensible time traveler:

   • Where can I find a decent hotel room in ancient Rome for under five sesterces a day? Is horse parking included?
   • What do I do if I’m attacked by barbarians?
   • What are my legal options if I’m fed to the lions at the Colosseum?
 
All this is answered and more. There is handy advice on finding the best picnicking spots to watch Julius Caesar’s assassination at the Roman Forum in 44 BC, as well as helpful real estate tips to profit from the great Roman fire of AD 64. There are even useful recommendations on which famous historical figures to meet for lunch, and a few nifty pointers on how to avoid being poisoned, beheaded, or torn apart by an angry mob.
 
If you had a time travel machine and could take a vacation anywhere in history, this is the only guidebook you would need!
"A very funny tour of Rome’s bloody and tumultuous past."--Publishers Weekly

"An entertaining introduction to ancient Rome with kid-friendly humor that may make those convinced that history is boring reconsider."--Kirkus Reviews

"Easy to read, will engage reluctant readers of history, and spur discussions."--School Library Connection

"A unique presentation that’s written casually and feels more approachable than a litany of facts. Fans of the 'You Wouldn’t Want to Be a…' series looking for something just a tad more sophisticated will find a lot to love."--School Library Journal

About

From the publishing house that brought you the Who Was? books comes the next big series to make history approachable, engaging, and funny!

The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome
 contains information vital to the sensible time traveler:

   • Where can I find a decent hotel room in ancient Rome for under five sesterces a day? Is horse parking included?
   • What do I do if I’m attacked by barbarians?
   • What are my legal options if I’m fed to the lions at the Colosseum?
 
All this is answered and more. There is handy advice on finding the best picnicking spots to watch Julius Caesar’s assassination at the Roman Forum in 44 BC, as well as helpful real estate tips to profit from the great Roman fire of AD 64. There are even useful recommendations on which famous historical figures to meet for lunch, and a few nifty pointers on how to avoid being poisoned, beheaded, or torn apart by an angry mob.
 
If you had a time travel machine and could take a vacation anywhere in history, this is the only guidebook you would need!

Praise

"A very funny tour of Rome’s bloody and tumultuous past."--Publishers Weekly

"An entertaining introduction to ancient Rome with kid-friendly humor that may make those convinced that history is boring reconsider."--Kirkus Reviews

"Easy to read, will engage reluctant readers of history, and spur discussions."--School Library Connection

"A unique presentation that’s written casually and feels more approachable than a litany of facts. Fans of the 'You Wouldn’t Want to Be a…' series looking for something just a tad more sophisticated will find a lot to love."--School Library Journal