A complementary resource for the historical fiction novel, this guide is for experienced teachers of tweens age 10-12. Learn more about the history, geography, culture, religion, lifestyle, heroes, government, language, alphabet, writings, art, and music of this place and time. Guides include age-appropriate curriculum elements such as historical reading material, worksheets, writing projects, puzzles, arts & crafts, tests and timeline events.

In 1625, Tibet is a land of nomads, monasteries and farmers. Nine year old Akshat herds sheep and yaks in the pastures of the western plateau. The death of his father begins a chain of events that will change his life forever. Can Akshat find his place in a world of monks, lamas and the world’s largest monastery?

In 520 BC, Babylon is just one of many conquered cities in the great Persian Empire. Zari is the thirteen year old daughter of an asu, a trained physician. Taught from early childhood to love and use hundreds of plants, she helps Papa prepare herbal remedies to cure disease. Can she use some of her plants to save lives and stop an evil plan?

Zaltana is the twelve year-old daughter of the ruler of the great and powerful city of Teotihuacán in the Valley of Mexico on the seventh century AD. Her life as a princess is changing quickly. Can she face and accept an uncertain future. Will she overcome her fear and help save her family?

In 1793 AD, Paris is the center of the French Revolution. The citizens of France live in fear of arrest, imprisonment and death at the guillotine. Beau is a fourteen year-old student in the school of surgery. Can he help save the young dauphin? Will his secret plan be discovered?

Emperor Justinian ordered rebuilding throughout the magnificent 6th century capital of Constantinople. Craftsmen from across the Byzantine Empire will create beautiful buildings and mosaics. Rasmus is a thirteen year old mosaic apprentice. Opportunity and danger await him in the imperial palace. Can Rasmus solve the puzzle and save the emperor?