Homeschool Review: Carole P. Roman Books (a family favorite) #hsreviews #childrenshistory #historystorybooks #culturalstudies

I have a confession.  I am addicted to books.  I like books of all kinds, but children's books (for the young and not-so-young) are my all-time favorites.  I fell in love with the world as a little girl through the pages of books, and I want my children to do the same.  Author Carole P. Roman has created the neatest series of books that take you on grand adventures and share historical and cultural information in a unique way AND I've recently been introduced to her Oh Susannah series of early chapter reader books that are just plain fun.  For this review, we have been reading If You Were Me and Lived in . . . the Ancient Mali Empire, If You Were Me and Lived in . . . Renaissance Italy, If You Were Me and Lived on . . . Mars, and Oh Susannah:  It's in the Bag.

Carole has a special way of weaving facts together to make for an interesting read.  I have been a fan of the history and culture books for years, and I really enjoyed meeting sweet and spunky Susannah, too.  All of Carole's books are brightly illustrated and invite you in to "sit a spell" and enjoy.   If you will so indulge me, I would like to share these newest four books to join our family library with you.


The newest book of the cultural series, If You Were Me and Lived on . . . Mars (A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World, Volume 20) blasts you off from planet Earth on an adventure into the future to colonize planet Mars.  This 44-page softcover story is chock-full of information about the Red Planet and explains what life on Mars might actually consist of when/if we ever arrive.  Scientific statistics are weaved throughout as readers learn about temperature, gravity, orbit, moons, and space.  Reading through this book helps you imagine that life really can exist in deep space.  The Pronunciation Guide in the back of the book offers more in-depth definitions of the terminology introduced throughout.  If you like space, this book is for you.  Talk about FUN!


Now, you know how much we love history, so I know you'll understand my penchant for reading these next books:


If You Were Me and Lived in . . . the Ancient Mali Empire (An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time, Volume 5) takes us back to the year 1332 at the rise of the Mali Empire.  This 78-page, softcover book begins by explaining what the word Mali means (hippopotamus, who knew?) and paints a picture of what it would have looked like 700 years ago.  Wow!  Explaining the government and economics in an easy-to-understand language, Carole truly takes the reader on the trip of a lifetime.  With a look at family life, religious life, daily life, and more, we feel like we've "been there, done that" as we study through the pages of history.  From clothing styles to what's on the table for dinner, we really see the big picture of life in Ancient Mali.  Although they didn't boil their peanuts like we do at our house, we discovered that the people of the Malian society liked many of the same things we do.  The Glossary in the back of the book makes sure that we are pronouncing words correctly and understanding what we read.  This is a great introduction to the Ancient Mali Empire.



These non-fiction historical books are really such a fun way to add a personal touch to everyday studies.  If You Were Me and Lived in . . . Renaissance Italy (An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time, Volume 7) is a 56-page softcover book that leads you to explore the Tuscany region outside of Florence, Italy over 500 years ago.  My Elisabeth was excited to read that "if she had lived in Renaissance Italy" her name might have been quite similar.  Lisabetta was a popular girl name way back then -- spelled with an "s" and all.  It was interesting to read that most children did not attend school (welcome to original homeschool!) and that peacock was considered a delicacy (no, thank you!).  The clothing styles shared are simply beautiful and makes us almost wish that we could wear such intricately designed outfits.  I especially appreciate the introduction to the new age coming and the study of artists and other people important to the Renaissance period.  The Glossary helps make sure we say names and words correctly.  Again, this is a lovely addition to our resource library.  These books just make me happy.

And that brings me to my newest friend, eight-year-old Susannah Logan.


Oh Susannah:  It's in the Bag (An Oh Susannah Story) is the very first book in a series of chapter books about Susannah.   Written with early readers in mind, but applicable to all of us, this 44-page softcover book will make you smile at the antics of a little girl pushed too far.   It's in the Bag shares about Susannah's really bad day and what she does to to make it through.  Although it is written with a younger crowd in mind, even this momma was reminded that we often fill our "bag" with burdens we aren't meant to carry alone.

And just for fun, I found that Oh Susannah is now available in a coloring book.  You (or your littles) can join in her many escapades and color away.  I would LOVE to have one of these for me.  Wouldn't that be a fun Christmas stocking find?

We really do love and appreciate all of these precious books by Carole P. Roman and I've mentioned before not to let the age recommendations scare you.  There really is a way to make them all fit into your family.  Older kids (and parents) will enjoy reading and using the history and cultural books as a starting place of adventure.  Younger kids will enjoy being read to and seeing the lovely pictures while they dream of journeys near and far.  And sweet Susannah has life lessons for us all.  Please do yourself a favor and check them out.


For more information about all of the fabulous books brought to you by Carole P. Roman check out the following Social Media Links:

Facebook

Pinterest 

Good Reads

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We had the privilege of reviewing the history books last year and still keep them close by as a handy reference today.  You can read about our first impressions of Ancient Greece, Elizabethan England, The Middle Ages, and The American West and see how we incorporated them right into our high school history.  I'd also love for you to visit my earlier reviews of the precious cultural books from the original series.  You can see what we thought of Mexico, South Korea, France, and Norway AND check out the fun we had with Australia, Portugal, and Russia, too.  Good books can take you to places you've never been.  Are you up for an adventure?

I was given the opportunity to review this selection of books from Carole P. Roman as a member of the Homeschool Review Crew.   You can check out the Crew Review and see what other members of the Homeschool Review Crew thought of their special books.

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