Why Are You Calling Me Barbarian?

By Birgitta Petren and Elisabetta Putini

It is the 3rd century BC, and as the Roman imperial army travels north followed by a caravan of families, slaves, and livestock, two kids meet at an encampment near Cologne, in today's Germany. Martilla, a young Roman slave girl, and Marbord, the son of a merchant from Scandia, strike an unlikely friendship. As they learn about each other's customs, lifestyles, and lands they discover that calling someone a "barbarian" is strictly a matter of ignorance.
This timely lesson in tolerance--set centuries ago in Europe--shows children how people of different cultures can overcome stereotypes to become friends. The book's quaint illustrations show children the daily life of early Europeans, and a section on the history of Roman and Scandian slavery offers age-appropriate insights on the subject. Also included is a glossary of Germanic and Roman terms and proper names.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0892365595
• ISBN13: 9780892365593
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 60 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.2" x 0.2" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 10 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 5 and higher

Customer Reviews

My 7-year-old and I loved this book!

I just had to speak up after reading the lukewarm review by Publishers Weekly. We are doing the Well-Trained Mind curriculum suggestions, and this book was recommended for additional reading in Chapter 41 of "Story of the World." This book is an accurate, fun comparison of the lives and cultures of the Romans and the Scandinavians ("Barbarians") during ancient times. The two children tell each other about their lives and their homes, and they make a game out of it: whoever remembers more about the other's story wins the game. My 7-year-old loved it. It also engendered a conversation about perspective, and how our history of the Roman Empire would differ if it were written by the "Barbarians."