Sixth+Books

> This book takes an impressive look at what many consider to be among the most awesome of man's creations-the pyramids of Egypt. Macaulay, through word and blackline drawings, shows Egyptian life and how the pyramids were built. He also talks about the way that Egyptians were readied for the next life. This is a wonderful book about the architecture of the pyramids. ˆ > This picture book contains a story within a story as it tells about the building of the great pyramid. While reading about King Khufu and his life, one, also learns why he wanted to build a pyramid, and how the pyramid was constructed. Great detail is given as to the Egyptian life style, including the life of the farmers, who became slaves while building the great pyramid. Beautiful illustrations help capture the essence of this time in history. This is a great book to read to the class, as well as have available for students to enjoy on their own. ˆ > Ever since ancient times the pyramid as a structural shape has captured out imaginations and played a meaningful and fascinating part in civilized societies. From the ziggurats of Babylon and the Valley of the Kings in ancient Egypt to the towering monuments built by the Aztecs and Maya in Central America, Pyramids examines the mythology and the history of these massive and intriguing creations. ˆ > This is an over-sized book that is written like a newspaper, telling about the life in Ancient Egypt. The articles are fun and informative, and written as though the events were just happening. Events such as "HYSOS HAMMERED", "BOY-KING DIES", "THE LONGEST BOAT IN OUR COUNTRY", which tells of Pharaoh Khufu's famous funerary boat. There are clever advertisements, a fitness quiz, a Who's Who list of the famous men, The Top Gods, and how to mummify your body. There is a great gossip section telling about the latest banquet, what was eaten, and who was there. A great book to share while studying this fun time in history. It is fun to see a book that teaches facts in such a fun way. One forgets they are learning while enjoying the articles. ˆ > Hieroglyphs are drawings of ancient symbols found on Egyptian tombs and temple walls. On each page of this book there are hieroglyphs and information about Egyptian culture. The narrative is written in rhyme. Using a stencil of the hieroglyphs, you can learn how to write secret messages with Egyptian symbols. > *This book comes with a stencil of hieroglyphs. ˆ > What happens to people after they die? The Egyptians thought if they mummified a dead person, his spirit would live forever. At first nature did the job; the desert sun dried and preserved bodies buried in shallow sandpit graves. Mummifying methods became more elaborate with time, as did after-life dwelling places. Eventually, the Egyptians built the largest known tombs-the pyramids-in which wealthy Egyptians were buried with food, household items, and treasure. The ancient Egyptian way of death has left us a rich legacy of information about a way of life of which there is no other record. Lila Perl's thoroughly documented account is as fascinating as it is revealing. ˆ > Cleopatra has mystified man for centuries. This is the true story of her Egyptian reign, her love of Caesar and Mark Anthony, and her defeat at the hands of Octavian. Cleopatra, is not praised for her beauty in this book as much as she is praised for her personal intellect, and manner of speech. No other account gives us such rich details and vivid anecdotes, and all historians who have written about her since have turned frequently to Plutarch-whom the authors use as their main source of material. ˆ > "Everything we know about Cleopatra was written by her enemies," stated the authors. This large picture is their attempt to tell the true story about Cleopatra, and they succeed beautifully. The text and pictures weave her a place in history, and tells about a woman pursuing her dreams, and the consequences following her actions. A great classroom addition while studying Ancient Egypt. ˆ > This scholastic edition spans all aspects of the pyramid. Beautifully illustrated, the reader goes on a journey through the Pyramid Age, how to build the different pyramids, the royal funeral, and the new world. It also covers the pyramids of the Americas including the Mayan and the Incas cultures. The reference section had an extensive glossary, pictures of the pyramids throughout the world and the power of the pyramid. A must have in a classroom library. It could be read in sections to the class or read individually. The colorful and extensive illustrations will hold the interest of even the most reluctant reader. > This book is a wonderful retelling of some of the well known, as well as lesser known, myths. Each story is about three pages long, and beautifully illustrated by Troy Howell. Included at the end of the book is a chapter on the gods, goddesses and mortals famous in the myths. Their names, family connection, and responsibility is listed. Also for enjoyment and information is a list of many words we use today that have their origins in the Greek myths. > *A great read-aloud book, but one kids would enjoy reading on their own. ˆ > This is an excellent historical book. It gives a great deal of information on daily Greek life. It tells about life for the rich and life for the poor. It also gives many insights into how they lived such as; food and drink, fashion, architecture, health and medicine, love and marriage, women and children, war, crime and punishment, religion, transportation, and others. The writings are accompanied by many beautiful illustrations. I enjoyed the book very much > *There are pictures of nude statues. Recommended as a teacher resource. ˆ > This is a book of 8 short plays for the classroom, teaching about some of the more famous myths from the ancient times. The plays are well written, and could be easily produced in the classroom with minimal expense. Some of the myths represented are: The Story of Cupid and Psyche, The Story of Orpheus and Eurydice, The story of Echo and Narcissus, and The Story of Odysseus, Helen and the City of Try, and the story of Odysseus and his travels. A creative companion to teaching the myths, and it will certainly involve the students. ˆ > A great read-aloud book to accompany the study of Ancient Greece. It is written like an actual tour guidebook. It covers history including a time line of events, an overview of Greece, a section on discovering Athens with suggestions of things to do while there, like where to stay, what to wear, visiting the Acropolis, the Law Courts and the Assembly, and the suggestion to visit a school. There are also ideas for entertainment, festivals, shopping, and eating out. There is a section on the language, useful phrases, money, medicine and Greek numbers. This is a book the kids will enjoy looking at as well as having the teacher share facts from it with the entire class. ˆ > Drawing History: Ancient Greece describes life in ancient Greece in both words and pictures. You will learn about the first Olympics, the Trojan War, Greek drama and art, and the Greek gods and goddesses. Best of all, Drawing History will teach you how to draw the people, [|Egyptian Costumes], and artifacts of this fascinating civilization with a simple step-by-step technique that's as easy to follow as it is fun to learn. ˆ > The Groovy Greeks is full of facts about the hip 'n happenin' Greeks-who hung out over 20000 years ago! Find out about the horrible heroes, savage Spartan soldiers, foolish philosophers and suffering slaves. Read on for some amazing information on awful ancient food, groovy Greek Olympic games, and the gruesome god who ate his own children > This is a book written to make fun of the Greeks. They use jokes to talk about murder, war, and killing. Be careful when allowing students to use this book.
 * __Crispin and the Cross of Lead__, by Avi -- I really liked the first few chapters of this book, which give a very good overview of what life must have been like for the peasantry of the middle ages. The chapter (maybe 3?) that describes the village was particularly powerful for me.
 * //__ Pyramid __// by David Macaulay ( ISBN 0-590-99518-9, Trumpet)
 * //__ The Great Pyramid __// by Elizabeth Mann
 * //__ Pyramids __// by Anne Millard ISBN #0-590-63247-7 (Scholastic)
 * //__ The Egyptian News __// by Scott Steedman
 * //__ Hieroglyphs from A to Z __// by Peter Der Manuelian (ISBN 0-590-40008-8, Scholastic)
 * //__ Mummies, Tombs, and Treasure __// by Lila Perl ( ISBN 0-590-96226-4, Scholastic)
 * //__ Cleopatra __// by Diane Stanley and Peter Vennema (ISBN #0-590-51062-2, Scholastic)
 * //__ Cleopatra __// by Diane Stanley and Peter Vennema
 * //__ Pyramid __//, by Anne Millard
 * //__ Ancient Egypt, The Hands-on Approach to History __//, by Andrew Haslam and Alexandra Parsons (ISBN 0-590-14962-8, Scholastic Inc.)
 * __ Favorite Greek Myths Retold __ by Mary Pope Osborne
 * __ Early Civilization - Greek Life __ by John Guy ( ISBN 0-439-1491E-0, Scholastic)
 * __ Greek Myths __ by John Rearick
 * __ The Traveler's guide to Ancient Greece __ by Fiona Macdonald
 * __ The Greek News __ by Anton Powell and Philip Steele Another over-sized book written like a newspaper of the times. The articles are creative as well as informative while the reader gets a glimpse in the life of the Ancient Greeks. Some of the articles included are: Greece In Peril, Sparta Attacks! Alexander Wins!, Slave Trade, Olympic Games Spoiled, which includes a tourist guide to all of the events, The Pride of Athens, about the Parthenon, a section for and about women, fashions, feast and even philosophy. This is a good overview of this period in time, made enjoyable by the format. This book is a good read-aloud or shared individually. ˆ
 * __ Drawing History, Ancient Greece __ by Elaine Raphael and Don Bolognese (ISBN 0-590-22729-7, Scholastic)
 * __ The Groovy Greeks __ By Terry Deary (ISBN 0-590-03155-4, Scholastic)

Written like an actual travel guide, this book takes the reader effectively through a visit to ancient Rome. As in the one for Greece, the book first gives an overview of Rome which includes a time line of events. It covers food and lodging, what to wear, visits to the Pantheon the Roman Forum, and the Basilica. The reader visits the Trojan's Market, the city library and an army camp, how to relax at the famous baths, and an introduction to the Roman theater and music. Do's and Don'ts are given while at the Arena, as well as what to expect during the famous races. A good read aloud in sections while learning about Ancient Rome, as well as a classroom library book for the students to enjoy on their own.
 * __ The Traveler's Guide to Ancient Rome __ by John Malam

This is an excellent historical book. It gives a great deal of information on daily Roman life. It tells about life for the rich and life for the poor. It also gives many insights into how they lived such as; food and drink, fashion, architecture, health and medicine, love and marriage, women and children, war, religion, transportation, and others. The writings are accompanied by many beautiful illustrations. I enjoyed the book very much. From his youth, Robin, son of Sir John de Bureford, had been told of what was expected of him as the son of a nobleman. He was to learn the ways of Knighthood. The day after his father left to protect the king, his mother was called to help care for the ailing quenn, and Robin was to leave to begin serving as a page. He was struck ill, which left him without the use of his legs. Abandoned by the servants in fear of the plague, Robin was rescued by a kind monk, Brother Luke. Taken to the Monastery where he could be cared for, Robin slowly finds himself being taught how to live and accept what has befallen him. He was taught by Brother Luke that there was always another door in the wall when another one close, and if he sought them, then his life would have purpose. Under the loving care of the Monks, Robin strengthened his physical body, and his mind. Always feeling like his parents would be disappointed upon their return that he would be unable to become a Knight, Robin kept looking for a miracle. His miracle came in a different way, as it became evident that Robin would be the only one who could get word to the king, that the castle was under siege. What follows is an exciting adventure where Robin indeed finds other doors in his wall. This is a great Newberry winner that tells the story of courage, love, and acceptance of others. An absolutely beautifully written and illustrated book covering some of the more well-known tales of Medieval times. The rich illustrations enhance favorite stories like Beowulf, The Sword in the Stone, Island of the Lost Children, The Song of Roland, The Werewolf, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Chanticleer, and the much loved Robin Hood and His Merry Men. The retellings of these stories capture the heart of each story without sounding redundant or worn. A terrific read aloud or one to be read individually. This is an informative book on life during the Middle Ages and specifically the life of a Knight. It covers subjects such as The Development of Armor, the Feudal System, Paying Tithes, Pilgrimage, The Start of the Crusades, A Woman's Role, Pages and Squires, Chivalry, Making Armor, Arming the Knight, Weapons, The Siege, Dangers in Battle, and The Tournament, to name a few. An interesting aspect of this book is the illustrations. They are photographs of live shots illustrating the different sections of the book. It seems to take the reader right back to the Medieval times and the Crusades. Though quite long, the sections could be read in part or whole, while studying this fascinating time in history. Students will enjoy reading this book, as well as looking at the pictures. Edmund is awaiting punishment as a counterfeiter when a knight unexpectedly intervenes on his behalf---and compels Edmund to join Richard Lionheart's forces in the Holy Land. There, amidst the savagery of the twelfth century Crusades, Edmund learns both courage and compassion, and discovers that cruelty is sometimes considered the will of Heaven. This is an over all look at the Renaissance-what it was, where it was, and what happened during that time. This is an easy reading book but it does give the reader the basic information that every students needs to be aware of. > A wonderful, thought provoking book of a child's life during the Holocaust. The line that tells it all-"Tell us about your pink elephant...For in this place there are no toys." The pictures are full of meaning and each page tells a little more about life in a concentration camp. > Modern day Hannah dreads going to her family's Jewish Passover Seder. Her relatives always tell the same stories. This time, however, Hannah is transported to a Polish village in the year 1942. She becomes a young Jewish girl named Chaya and experiences the horrors of a Nazi internment camp. Because she comes from today she understands the unspeakable horrors that await her. All the while she is unraveling the mystery of whom she really is and the age that she really comes from. > This story is loosely based on the true experiences of Guido Fullin during World War II. It is a graphic depiction of the historical events during the war when Italian boys were kidnapped and taken into Russia to serve as slaves to the Russians. It chronicles the experiences of brothers Roberto and Sergio, and friends Memo, Enzo, and Samuele, their Jewish friend. The boys had to really protect the knowledge from the Russians that Samuele was Jewish. The details of how they were treated, as well as how the Jews were treated were unsettling as the reader experiences the horrors of war and prejudice. > This is an extraordinary story of a young girl's wartime survival during WWII. It reads like a novel, but is a diary of Nelly's experiences as she sees her friends and family slowly disappear under Hitler's regime. She was Jewish, living in Poland, when the invasion began. Frankly, honest of what she does and does not remember, as well as what she does and does not understand, the story chronicles the Holocaust from the perspective of a child. To enhance the book even more are the incredible watercolor pictures she painted while in hiding. Instead of drawing the horrific side of war, Nelly painted beautiful pictures found only in her imagination. This is a 4 star book that should be read aloud and discussed while studying this time in history. > This is another unforgettable story of survival during Hitler's reign of terror. What makes this book unique is that this is the story of survival of a ten-year-old Russian girl, who not only survived German bombings and near starvation, but was then taken captive by the Germans, to become one of seven million prisoners forced to work in German farms and factories. Your heart will ache as you read of her Mom shaving pieces of wood, so they would have something to eat, or how they existed on warmed water for days at a time. This is an incredible story of survival, courage, and continual faith in humanity, while telling about the little-known struggle of Russian civilians during World War II. > A must for a 6th grade class library > This is an actual account by a survivor of the invasion of the coast of Normandy. Though definitely a major factor in determining the outcome of WWII, this invasion was years in the planning, and costly both in loss of military equipment, but in the loss of lives of the British, Canadian and American troops as they fought their way onto the coast of Nazi-controlled France. Graphic in detail, this book would probably be best if read in segments and discussed. > It certainly points out the ugliness of war in words and actual photographs of the event as it was happening. > Though written as a story about Anna, a Jewish girl living in Berlin, it is actually based on the experiences of the author, Judith Kerr. It chronicles the story of the Hitler invasion, and the treatment towards the Jews. Anna first realizes her life is changing when her father disappears. The story tells of how she and he brother are forced to sneak out of the country, to be united with her family in Switzerland. Ultimately, her family is forced to live in several countries avoiding the Nazi's and the price placed on Anna's father's head. Anna learns the value of life as she struggles to learn several different languages and adjust to different customs while living life as a refugee. Though her family ultimately lost everything they had, Anna recognizes that the most important thing survived, and that was her family. > *A good classroom library book > Daniel barely remembers leading a normal life before the Nazis came to power in 1933. He can still picture once being happy and safe, but memories of those days are fading as he and his family face the dangers threatening Jews in Hitler's Germany in the late 1930's. No longer able to practice their religion, vote, own property, or even work, Daniel's family is forced from their home in Frankfurt and sent on a long and dangerous journey, first to the Lodz ghetto in Poland, and then to Auschwitz. Though many around him lose hope in the face of such terror, Daniel, supported by his courageous family, struggles for survival. He finds hope, life, and even love in the midst of despair. > Nazi troops have parachuted into Norway and the Norwegian's in the small town of Riswyk need to get the nine million dollars worth of gold out of town before the German's take control of it. The children of the town follow a dangerous plan by sledding the gold to Uncle Victor's ship where he will take it to the United States for safekeeping. Under the sharp eyes and bristling guns of Nazi sentries, they begin the daring rescue of the hidden gold. This is a thrilling tale of wartime courage that really happened. > Jacob, an eight-year-old Jewish boy from Warsaw, Poland, slips through a hole in the ghetto wall and goes with Alex Roslan, a kind Christian man who agreed to be his new "uncle". The Roslan family, at the risk of their own lives, kept Jacob's identity as a Jew hidden. Every day of hiding meant a new danger and a threat of discovery. Jacob worried about his real family and longed to go to school and play outside like the Roslan children. The fear, the hunger, and the hardships brought Jacob closer to the Roslan Family-until at last they were able to begin a new chapter in their lives. > The slidingdoor of the railway truck closed and began Alice's journey. But where is she going? The men who come to her house to take Alice and her grandparents away in the middle of the night will only say that they are being taken to the east. At first Alice is excited-at last she will be allowed to play outside after being confined to the basement for so long, and maybe she will be reunited with her parents. But the train ride isn't at all what Alice expects. There are no seats or lavatories-only a dark, airless cattle car crammed with people. And as she gets to know her fellow passengers, Alice's eyes are opened to the facts of life, the horrors of death, and the terrifying truth about her final destination. > Very graphic pictures are drawn of the atrocities of Nazi death camps. This is not a book for everyone. > At the end of the 1930's Jews were trying to get out of Europe. One of the ways for Polish Jews to leave the country was through Romania. Where could they go? The only country that really wanted as many Jews as they could find was Israel. This is the story of Ruth and how she talked the King of Romania to allow their ship out of the dock in Romania and into Palestine. This is a true story. ˆ Number the Stars by Lois Lowry The bravery of the Danes in World War II to help the Jews and keep national pride is explored in this book. Ten-year old Annmarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen encounter Nazi soldiers as they go to and from school in Copenhagen in 1943. The Jews of Denmark are being "relocated" so Ellen moves in with the Johansens and pretends to be part of the family as the Danish underground comes to the rescue and removes the family to the safety of Sweden. > During World War II, as Nazi troops took over Europe, hundreds of thousands of Jews tried to flee Hitler's advance. The Kaplans, Igor, his little sister, Nomi, and their parents traveled three-quarters of the way around the world by train and ship, across Russia to Japan and finally to Canada. A gripping narrative is accompanied by sidebars, archival photographs and maps that help readers understand the story's historical and geographical context. > The Germans have taken over France. So now G.I. Joe is part of a top-secret mission. He and the army are going to free France on D-Day. It's a dangerous job. Many lives will be lost. But G.I. Joe and the troops are determined to win...whatever the cost. > G.I. Joe and the Marines have a risky new assignment. They need to capture Iwo Jima and make the island safe for American planes to land. But Japanese troops are hiding everywhere-even inside a volcano. Can G.I. Joe and the marines raise the flag over Iwo Jima? Yes, but only through fierce fighting. > This book is really a picture book with Anastasia's own words providing the captions for the pictures. Excellent research has gone into this book, giving the reader a private look into Anastasia's life as the youngest Tsar's daughter. The author carries the story along with a narrative of the history accompanying the pictures. Even knowing the history, it was difficult to read of the luxury of her early life to the tragic ending of her family and the reign of Tsar Nicholas II. Though this would be a good read aloud book, it should be read individually simply to enjoy the captivating photographs and accompanying photographs.
 * __Early Civilization - ROMAN LIFE__ by John Guy (ISBN O-439-14916-9, Scholastic)
 * There are pictures of nude statues. It could be used as a teacher's resource book.
 * __The Door in the Wall__ by Marguerite De Angeli
 * This would be great to read aloud during the study of the Middle Ages. The reader will learn of life in a castle, the preparations for Knighthood, and life in the Middle Ages.
 * __Favorite Medieval Tales__ by Mary Pope Osborne
 * __Knights In Armor__ Edited by John D. Clare
 * __The Book of the Lion__ by Michael Cadnum (ISBN 0-670-88386-7, Viking)
 * __Renaissance__ ( ISBN 0-8167-0247-0, Troll)
 * __ Let the Celebrations B E G I N ! __ by Margaret Wild and Julie Vivas
 * __ The Devil's Arithmetic __ by Jane Yolen (National Jewish Book Award)
 * __ Stones In Water __ By Donna Jo Napoli (ISBN 0-439-08733-3, Scholastic)
 * __ Behind the Secret Wall __ - A Memoir of a Hidden Childhood by Nelly S. Toll
 * __ Hostage to War __ by Tatjana Wassiljewa (translated by Anna Trenter)
 * __ The Story of D-Day __ by Bruce Bliven, Jr.
 * __ When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit __ by Judith Kerr
 * __ Daniel's Story __ ( ISBN 0-590-46588-0, Scholastic)
 * __ Snow Treasure __ by Marie McSwigan (ISBN 0-590-03, Scholastic)
 * __ Jacob's Rescue __ By Malka Crucker and Michael Halperin (ISBN 0-440-90106-5, Yearling)
 * __ The Final Journey __ by Gudrun Pausewang (ISBN 0-439-05643-8, Scholastic)
 * __ Last Road to Safety: A True Story by Peggy Mann __ (ISBN 0-02-147798-1, McGraw-Hill)
 * __ One More Border, The True Story of One Family's Escape from War-town Europe __ by William Kaplan with Shelley Tanaka illustrations by Stephen Taylor
 * __ The Girl With the White Flag __ by Tomiko Higa Separated from her family in the confusion and horror of World War II, Tomiko Higa tells her own story of survival on the battlefields of Okinawa, Japan. Tomiko Higa was seven years old when she became separated from her family. This story is about how she desperately searched to find her lost sisters wondering throughout Okinawa during wartime. It is a gripping story of how a child could endure the horrible effects of war. She would open the knapsacks of dead soldiers for scraps of food, wander from cave to cave looking for her sisters, and take care of wounded people. Tomiko experiences death at every turn. Her descriptions are not bloody and gory, but she paints vivid pictures of the atrocities of war. Much discussion should follow this book. This is a powerful document as well as a testimony to the resilience of the human spirit.
 * __ G.I. Joe at D-Day __ by James Kelley (ISBN 0-590-14976-8, Scholastic)
 * __ G.I. Joe at Iwo Jima __ (ISBN 0-590-14979-2, Scholastic)
 * __ Anastasia's Album __ by Hugh Brewster