This book was a LibraryThing Early Reviewer selection. This book actually didn't turn out to be what I expected when I selected it for review. I was expecting a text book or study guide of the Roman Culture and the Latin Language. Actually there was very little, albeit interesting, content in the book as it was overwhelmed by the intended purpose of the book which was to encourage study of Roman Culture and the Latin language and to present suggested classroom plans, procedures and forms. I did read through the scattered bits of content and mostly enjoyed them but I was unable to connect with the teaching portions. Curiously, the content on one hand seemed a bit high level for the stated target group but on the other hand seemed somewhat scanty. I assume they were just trying to present enough of the subject to put the teaching tools into some sort of context. It would probably be a reasonably useful book for a teacher of these subjects but it is definitely not aimed at the general reader. ( )

I actually ordered this book for my school library before receiving a copy through Early Reviewers. As other reviewers have noted, this isn't a curriculum on its own, but it is a great supplement to an existing history or Latin curriculum, with excellent unit and activity ideas and supporting materials. Our Middle School had a Latin club/elective taught by Latin students from our sister high school, and this made an excellent gift to my student teachers. Recommended for those interested in ancient Rome, Latin and its connection to today. ( )

As a homeschool mom teaching high school Latin and World History to my 9th grader, I was glad to get this book for review. After having read through it and incorporated some of the readings and activities into my curriculum, I'd say it works well as a supplemental text. Beyond the history of the empire, I was looking for materials which explored more of the lives of everyday Romans, and this book does a good job of that. My only criticism is that I think the material is far too advanced for 4th grade (as indicated on the cover). I'd say this is definitely a high school-level text. ( )

If I had know it was a supplemental study guide, I wouldn't have requested it. That being said, yes, there is probably some useful information for Latin teachers in it, but there is a also a lot of explanatory parts you have to dig through to find anything useful.

I received a review copy of Ancient Roots and Ruins, by Ariel Baska and Joyce VanTassel-Baska, Ed.D., as part of a LibraryThing giveaway.

To be candid, I would not have requested a review copy if I had realized this was a teaching guide for grades 4 to 8 (to be used a core or supplementary text for middle-grade English teachers and for elementary gifted teachers, according to Chapter 1). I'm not an educator. Nevertheless, I found the book readable and informative. It's filled with useful lessons and handouts. While I am not an experienced teacher or educator, and can't evaluate the book on those terms, I enjoyed reading through it and learned a lot of new information.

Thanks to LibraryThing for sending me this review copy. ( )