Gladiator : Life and Death in Ancient Rome

John Malam is a best-selling children's author who has written over 100 books. He is also a trained archaeologist. Consultant, Guy de la Bedoyere is a TV presenter, consultant, author and a renowned expert on Roman Britain.

Grade 5-8-While the subtitle rather than the title more accurately reflects this book's content, Malam does a superb job of examining life in ancient Rome. Replete with color illustrations that depict art, homes, and dress, the layout resembles a newspaper. "Weird World" boxes give additional facts, and "Log On" spots provide Web-site addresses. Malam covers the rise of Rome, emperors, daily life, and the empire's mysterious fall. He devotes two chapters to the gladiators' dichotomous lives as both revered and reviled men who were often prisoners of war, criminals, or slaves forced to attend school, where they learned their trade-killing. They enjoyed considerable fame and glory, but only as long as they survived, which was no small feat. Throughout, the conversational tone makes the reading memorable, and the detailed "Reference Section" is handy for reports. Libraries in need of material on the topic will be served well by this title.
Laura Glaser, Euless Junior High School, TX
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