For children learning about ancient Rome, this diary offers a poignant look at daily life through the eyes of a young slave, exploring resilience and longing for freedom.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is studying ancient Rome and wants a more personal story than a textbook provides. It’s an excellent choice for fostering empathy and exploring themes of injustice in a historical context. The book is the fictional diary of Iliona, a young Greek girl who is captured and sold into slavery in a Roman senator's household. Through her eyes, readers experience the daily realities, both mundane and harsh, of her life. The story powerfully explores resilience, the longing for freedom, and the ability to find kindness in difficult circumstances. Appropriate for its age range, it handles the serious topic of slavery directly but without graphic detail, making it a valuable tool for starting conversations about history and human rights.
The core topic is slavery, which is treated directly and realistically. The narrative focuses on the emotional and psychological toll of being considered property, the loss of family, and the constant threat of punishment. The approach is secular and historical. There are non-graphic descriptions of violence, particularly a scene at the Colosseum involving gladiators. The resolution is realistic and hopeful: Iliona doesn't achieve freedom by the end of the diary, but she has grown in resilience and found a way to use her skills to improve her situation, leaving the reader with a sense of her enduring spirit.
Ideal Reader
This book is ideal for a thoughtful 10 to 13-year-old who enjoys historical fiction and is ready to engage with complex social justice issues. It would resonate with a child who connects with personal stories of survival and prefers character-driven narratives over fast-paced action. It's a perfect next step for a reader who enjoyed the 'Dear America' or 'My Story' series.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to discuss the realities of slavery and the violence of Roman society (like gladiatorial games). It's helpful to preview the entry about the Colosseum. The book can be read cold, but it benefits from a brief conversation about how Roman society was structured and that Iliona's experience, while fictional, reflects a historical reality for millions. A parent's trigger might be their child expressing a simplistic or glamorized view of ancient Rome after a school lesson, saying something like, 'I wish I could have been a Roman.' This book provides a crucial counter-narrative by showing the brutal reality for the majority of people in the Roman empire.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will likely focus on Iliona's daily life, her friendship with the slave boy Apollo, and the fascinating details of Roman culture. An older reader (11-13) will better appreciate the subtle social dynamics, the injustice of her situation, and the psychological depth of her struggle to maintain her identity and hope.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many historical fiction books that focus on grand events or famous figures, 'Roman Diary' is unique for its intimate, ground-level perspective on the daily life of an enslaved person. The diary format creates a powerful sense of immediacy and empathy. The juxtaposition of Iliona's personal, emotional text with the book's detailed, technical illustrations of Roman life creates a distinctive experience, highlighting the contrast between the empire's achievements and its human cost.
Read plot summary
This historical novel is presented as the journal of Iliona, an eleven-year-old Greek girl captured by pirates and sold as a slave in Rome around 108 AD. Her diary documents her life in the household of Senator Gaius Valerius, detailing her chores, her relationships with other slaves and the master's family, and her observations of Roman life. The plot is not driven by a grand escape but by Iliona's daily struggle for survival, her quiet acts of defiance, and her steadfast hope of returning home. The narrative is punctuated by detailed illustrations of Roman technology and architecture.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Iliona uses her ability to read and write to keep a secret diary. How does this act of writing help her cope with her situation and hold onto her identity?
2
When Iliona attends the games at the Colosseum, she is horrified by the violence while others cheer. Why do you think the Romans enjoyed these spectacles, and what does Iliona's reaction tell us about her character?
3
Iliona forms a close but risky friendship with Apollo, another slave. In what ways do they support each other, and why was their friendship dangerous in their situation?
4
At the end of the book, Iliona's situation has not dramatically changed, but she seems to have found a new sense of strength. What has she learned, and what gives her hope for the future?
