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 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?

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?

The strong brave native Maori people of 1845 New Zealand are fascinating to Ashtyn. She is a fourteen year old English girl who wants to live with the great Ngapuhi tribe and teach their children. Will the chief and his people accept her? Can she learn and adapt to the unique traditions of the tribe and save her Maori friend from unknown danger?

In 376 AD, Chandra Gupta II will soon be king of Ancient India. He was blessed by the Hindu gods. Thirteen year old Basanti has trained since early childhood as a dancer. As the day of her first solo dance approaches, tragedy strikes her family. Can she win a competition and dance in the Hindu temples or for the new emperor?

Seventeenth century Scotland is ruled by another English king, Charles II. Highland clan’s feud and struggle for power in this beautiful land. Kensie is a twelve year old storyteller who dreams of a future as a bard in a Highland Clan. Will Kensie’s secrets keep her from making her dream come true?

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?