Latin Novella Series
Explore Ancient Rome, Entirely in Latin
Aves
Emma Vanderpoolvii + 72 pp., 47 illustrations (2020) 6" x 9" Paperback, ISBN 978-0-86516-874-9
From crows and ravens to eagles and owls, see how these creatures were represented in Greek and Roman culture.
Ludi Scaenici
Christpoher Bungardviii + 80 pp., 50 illustrations (2021) 6" x 9" Paperback, ISBN 978-0-86516-879-4
Discover the significance of theater in Roman culture, then meet some ancient playwrights and the stock characters taht appear in their work.
Encounter Ancient Worlds through Lively Latin Stories
Ideal for independent reading or to introduce aspects of ancient culture in the classroom, each novella in the Encounter Latin series can be read as a stand-alone text or alongside other levels as part of a more extensive exploration of a given topic. The Encounter Latin novellas also coordinate with the nonfiction pre-readers in the Explore Latin series.
Dr. Robert Patrick's introduction to the Encounter Latin series lays out how novellas can be used in the Latin classroom to further language acquisition.
Vocabulary Building
Level A—150 Unique Words
Augury Is for the Birds Marcus de Avibus Discit
Emma VanderpoolISBN 13: 978-0-86516-875-6
Encounter the ancient Roman practice of augury, or bird divination—entirely in Latin!
Marcus, a young Roman boy, couldn’t care less about birds or their significance, even if they convey the divine will of Jupiter himself! He’d much rather train as a Roman soldier, just like his dad Titus. His dad, however, has other plans: he has arranged for Marcus to learn the ins and outs of interpreting bird signs from skilled augur Lucius. As Marcus finds, deciphering the gods’ plans for the future is hard enough—will he and his dad ever be able to come to an understanding about his own future?
We're Going to the Show Adimus ad Ludos
Christopher BungardISBN 13: 978-0-86516-880-0
Encounter ancient Roman comedy—entirely in Latin!
Titus, named after Roman playwright Titus Maccius Plautus, lives with his parents and sisters on the Aventine Hill in Rome. Without much time for leisure, everyone in the family looks forward to festival days. Titus in particular eagerly awaits the ludi scaenici, special celebrations when plays are performed. But when it’s time to honor Magna Mater, the Great Mother goddess, with a comedy, Titus wakes up late! Can he catch up with his father and sisters and find a seat in time to watch the show?
Level B—200 Unique Words
Under His Father's Wing, Marcus de Auguribus Discit
Emma VanderpoolISBN 13: 978-0-86516-876-3
Encounter stories of ancient Greek and Roman augurs, special seers who interpreted bird signs—entirely in Latin!
Marcus, a young Roman boy, has been struggling to show his father Titus that he is simply not cut out for life as an augur. Why can’t he seek adventure and glory as a soldier? Titus, in turn, can’t quite get Marcus to understand the importance of augury, especially its role in keeping Roman soldiers safe. Titus has seen the dangers of war firsthand and fears for his son’s future. By telling Marcus stories of legendary Greek and Roman augurs, Titus hopes to convey some tough truths about military life—and why divining the gods’ will is essential. Along the way, he also reveals how augury has been woven into the fabric of Rome’s very existence.
Level C—250 Unique Words
Princess, Priestess, Mother, Wolf Fābula dē Rōmulō et Remō
Emma VanderpoolISBN 13: 978-0-86516-877-0
Encounter a retelling of Rome’s foundation legend unlike any other—entirely in Latin! A mysterious seer wields great power because she knows the will of the gods. Will her predictions about a great new city come true? A young woman finds herself at the mercy of her cruel uncle, who desires kingship at any cost. How will she navigate her new roles, first as a priestess, then as a mother in grave danger? A wolf finds two babies by a river and lovingly nurtures them, until two humble foster parents take in the twins. As the boys grow, it becomes clear that there is something unusual about them: they are destined for great things. But a rivalry between the brothers threatens their bond and comes to a head when they both seek the favor of the gods—through augury. This novella is the third in a series that explores birds and divination within ancient Roman culture.
