Julius Zebra Is Gladiator Fun for Kids

I took a trip with my family to Rome several years back, and I wish this book had been available then!  It would have been a great way to prepare my kids for what they would see and experience without feeling as though I was trying to teach them something.  Because we all know how they hate getting lectured to from their parents.

I have included an old shot from my family at Gladiator school!

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Title: Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans

Author: Gary Northfield

Target: Grades 3-6

Series: This is the first book in a planned series

What this book is about: 

Julius is a zebra hanging out in the savannah, lamenting the smelly watering hole.  When he wanders off one day, he is captured by Romans who take him to be eaten before spectators in the great Colosseum in Rome.  Julius isn’t too keen on this idea and he is starting to get annoyed with everyone calling him a stripy horse, so he actually fights back! This earns Julius and the other unlucky animals from the watering hole a trip to gladiator school.  Turns out he has a chance to win his freedom, but is Julius really prepared to rumble?

Why I love this book:

• The daft humor in this book will have kids giggling throughout.  These animals are full of silly antics and the premise is completely preposterous, but it works.  Do not question, simply enjoy the ride.

• Kids will actually learn quite a bit bout the Games in Rome.  I love it when historical fiction can hook them into a great story and they take something away about the times as well.

• The book has a lesson on Roman Numerals as well as a glossary of Roman facts to teach kids even more!

Who this book is for: 

Great book for reluctant readers because the pages are short and full of comic illustrations.  The slapstick comedy will hook them into the story immediately.  Kids who enjoy Horrible Histories or books like Stickman Odyssey will enjoy this one.

Final thoughts: 

A fun and clever start to a new series!

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans.  A portion of each purchase will go back to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.