What clues did the characters find, and how did they help solve the mystery?

This is a discussion prompt for The Thieves of Ostia by Caroline Lawrence. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What was life like in ancient Ostia, and how was it different from today?

This is a discussion prompt for The Thieves of Ostia by Caroline Lawrence. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

If you were a detective in ancient Rome, what kind of mystery would you want to solve?

This is a discussion prompt for The Thieves of Ostia by Caroline Lawrence. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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The Thieves of Ostia

Name: The Thieves of Ostia
ISBN: 9780142401477

by Caroline Lawrence

In Ancient Rome, Flavia Gemina and her friends solve a mystery involving dog thefts and a search for buried treasure in this fast-paced historical adventure.

About This Book

With a stunning command of the Greek language and a mastery of poetic nuance, this translation of Euripides' play breathes unparalleled life into an ancient masterpiece. Using vocabulary that gives the sense that the play was written with an appreciation of and application to the 20th and 21st centuries, this adaptation goes beyond the timeless plot of the consequences of war and the fate of both the victors and the losers and focuses on the modern-day issues of feminism and women's rights. Also included in this volume are two long poems—"Helen" and "Orestes"—by contemporary Greek poet Yannis Ritsos, who was nominated for the Nobel Prize.

Concepts

Curiosity & Wonder Justice & Fairness Friendship & Loyalty Teamwork & Collaboration

Heads up, parents

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Wonderlit Review

Please note: The provided publisher description for this book appears to be incorrect, describing a translation of a classical Greek play rather than 'The Thieves of Ostia' by Caroline Lawrence. This analysis is based on the book's title, author, series name ('The Roman Mysteries'), and Open Library subject tags. 'The Thieves of Ostia' is the first book in the popular 'Roman Mysteries' series, offering young readers an engaging dive into ancient Roman life through the lens of a mystery. The story likely follows a group of young protagonists as they encounter and solve a crime or puzzle in the historical port city of Ostia. It handles sensitive topics indirectly, focusing on the intrigue of the mystery itself rather than deep emotional processing. The emotional arc is expected to be one of discovery and adventure, culminating in a satisfying resolution. This book is ideal for children who are fascinated by ancient history, enjoy detective stories, or are looking for a captivating new chapter book series. A parent might reach for this when their child expresses an interest in Roman history, asks for a 'whodunit,' or needs an engaging read to spark their imagination. Parents might want to preview some historical details or maps of ancient Rome to enhance the reading experience, but no specific content warnings beyond mild peril typical of a children's mystery are anticipated. Younger readers (ages 4-7) will enjoy this as a read-aloud, while older elementary children (ages 8-11) can read it independently. What sets this book apart is its unique blend of historical accuracy and compelling mystery, making ancient Rome accessible and exciting for a young audience.