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Topic: History

Beowulf

Chapter book

The epic Anglo-Saxon legend is brilliantly recreated by an award-winning author/illustrator team.

In fifth-century Denmark, a murderous monster stalks the night, and only the great prince of the Geats has the strength and courage to defeat him. Beowulf’s terrifying quest to destroy Grendel, the foul fiend, a hideous sea-hag and a monstrous fire-dragon is the oldest surviving epic in British literature. Artfully retold and magnificently illustrated, this companion volume to Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is made instantly accessible to children by a formidable children’s book partnership.

King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table

Graphic Novel

A comic-strip re-telling of some of Britain’s best-loved Arthurian stories and legends.

Aided by the magician Merlin, Arthur draws the sword from the stone to become King of Britain, and Lord of the Knights of the Round Table. Read of their valiant deeds as King Arthur, Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad and other heroic knights rescue maidens, defend Excalibur and search for the Grail.

Anglo-Saxon Boy

Chapter book

An action-packed Anglo-Saxon tale of one boy’s journey to the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

The story of one Anglo-Saxon boy’s journey to the Battle of Hastings in 1066: Key Stage 2 History brought to life as battle-packed adventure.
1065: Magnus is the son of Harold Godwinson, lord of the Southern Saxons and ruthlessly ambitious claimant to the throne of England. Overnight, Magnus finds himself cast centre-stage in the blood-soaked family feud that led to one of history’s most famous battles.
This is the family tragedy behind 1066: live it with Magnus, as the wolves of history close in on his Anglo-Saxon boyhood.

The Buried Crown

Chapter book

An exciting World War II adventure from acclaimed author Ally Sherrick – blending her trademark rip-roaring historical storytelling with mythology and magic!

It’s World War II and Britain is on the brink of invasion. Londoner George has been sent to live in the countryside while his brother and guardian, Charlie, trains to be a pilot – but he’s very far from safe.

An ancient burial ground nearby contains a priceless treasure, a magical Anglo-Saxon crown Hitler is desperate to possess.

Alongside Kitty, the granddaughter of a Jewish archaeologist, George must find and protect the crown from the Nazi invaders before it’s too late …

From the award-winning author of Black Powder and The Queen’s Fool, this is a rip-roaring World War 2 adventure combining adventure and magic – perfect for readers aged 9 and up.

Escape from Pompeii

Picturebook

Travel back in time to the days of the Roman Empire and join Tranio, the son of an actor, and his friend Livia, the baker’s daughter, in witnessing the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. Tranio, like most Roman boys, likes to watch whatever is going on: tradesmen selling their goods, ships unloading their exotic cargoes, politicians making speeches in the forum. But one hot August day a very different scene unfolds. The ground begins to shake, the sky to darken. People run gasping for air. Heading for the harbor, Tranio and his friend Livia hide on a boat and witness one of the most terrifying moments in recorded history-the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the destruction of their beloved city, Pompeii.

Men, Women and Children in Anglo-Saxon Times

Non-fiction

What jobs did Anglo-Saxon people do?
What was it like in an Anglo-Saxon village?
How did the Anglo-Saxons use songs, poems and riddles?

This book looks at the everyday lives of men, women and children in Anglo-Saxon times. Drawing on evidence the Anglo-Saxons left behind, it examines how they lived, studied, worked, played and worshipped. Go back in time and read stories about the key figures of the time, such as Alfred the Great, Kenelm, a young prince and Easwida, a girl who refused to marry.

The Thieves of Ostia

Chapter book

The first in Caroline Lawrence’s internationally bestselling Roman Mysteries series, re-issued with a fantastic new cover look.

Flavia Gemina is a natural at solving mysteries. The daughter of a ship’s captain living in Ostia, the port of Rome, in AD79, she and her three friends, Jonathan, a Jewish boy (and secretly a Christian); Nubia, an African slave girl; and Lupus, a mute beggar boy, must work together to discover who is beheading the watchdogs that guard people’s homes, and why.
A talented storyteller, Caroline Lawrence has created a delightfully readable and accessible series that children will want to read time and time again.

The King Who Threw Away His Throne

Chapter book

King Vortigern thinks he’s so clever but his servant Mervyn knows he is playing a dangerous game. Can Mervyn keep the King safe from the invading Saxons, Pictish raiders, and a beautiful Saxon princess?

Join master storyteller Terry Deary for a trip back in time to Saxon times and an exciting adventure.

Meet the Ancient Romans

Non-fiction, Picturebook

There’s so much to digest when it comes to History – how do you know where to begin? These incredible short introductions are just the thing for readers who are beginning to explore ancient history. Get to know the basics on Ancient Rome from gladiators to day to day life, with easy-to-digest, humorous text that is reminiscent of the bestselling Horrible Histories series. James Davies’ stunning artwork and infographics provide a fresh nonfiction approach that is sure to captivate young readers.

The Princess Who Hid in a Tree

Picturebook

This story is about a brave and kind Anglo-Saxon princess called Frideswide who lived in Oxford a long time ago and just happened to be brilliant at climbing very tall trees. Her talent came in useful one day when a wicked king tried to kidnap her. How did she and her friends escape, and what happened to the king and his soldiers?

With stunning illustrations by award-winning artist Alan Marks, Saint Frideswide’s legend is retold for young children as a tale of adventure, courage in the face of danger, friendship, and kindness, with a few surprises along the way.

The church Frideswide founded in Oxford was on the site of what is now Christ Church, and her medieval shrine can still be seen inside the Cathedral.

This beautiful picture book is sure to be treasured by any child who loves tales of adventure. It will appeal to children learning about the Anglo-Saxons, to readers who like feisty heroines and to visitors to Oxford, as a meaningful souvenir of their visit.

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