Children’s Book Review: If You Were Me and Lived in Middle Ages and Viking Europe By Carole P. Roman

IF YOU WERE ME AND LIVED IN…MIDDLE AGES

By: Carole P. Roman

Illustrated by: Mateya Arkova

Published: July 9, 2016

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Non-Fiction

I would expect that most kids who read this book would feel grateful to not have grown up during the Middle Ages. Life was quite difficult and if you were not a family of power and wealth, then life was pretty difficult for you.

Roman focus’s on life as a thirteen-year-old girl of privilege in her examples from the Middle Ages. Life for her consisted of sewing and praying. There were rituals and rules that must be kept every day. Life of others in the village was not quite as comfortable. The peasants lived simple lives full of hard work. Their children also had to work very hard.

Girls who read this might be shocked to hear that most daughters were married off as young as thirteen and there was little choice in who they would be marrying. Girls were also not allowed to go to school unless it was to a convent to read the Bible. I was surprised by the medical treatments when someone was ill, including blood-letting or bleeding out the old blood until new blood could be formed. The patient would be weak for months. Can you imagine if we had to do that now?

Life in the Middle Ages was difficult and yet somewhat simple. But, I would bet most kids reading this would be quite glad they are growing up now rather than 900 years ago. The end of the book includes a listing of famous people from the Middle Ages and a glossary of terms. There are several that will be new to most readers.

These books are meant for upper elementary to middle school-aged kids, but offer lots of information and learning for children that enjoy history and learning.

IF YOU WERE ME AND LIVED IN…VIKING EUROPE

By: Carole P. Roman

Illustrated by: Mateya Arkova

Published: September 5, 2016

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Non-Fiction

In a way, families who lived in Viking Europe seemed to live that idyllic simple life many of us yearn for today. They lived off the land (and sea) and nothing was wasted. Everyone contributed to running the home and helping each other.

There were just two seasons…Summer, a time of light, and Winter, a time of darkness and you determined your age by how many winters you had survived. Winters were harsh and took much preparation during the Summer to survive. Much like the time of the Middle Ages, girls were chosen for marriage after age twelve. Matches were made based on alliances and protection and girls had little say in who they would marry. But, I was surprised to find divorce was possible and abuse or mistreatment was a huge dishonor.
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The end of the book includes a listing of Norse Gods and other important people in Viking history. There is also a glossary of terms to explain the many unfamiliar words used throughout the book.

Roman is extremely talented in her research and retelling of history for children to understand. This book is perfect for older school-aged kids and especially for those who love learning about ancient history. Making it personal by putting the reader in the mind of a child their age makes the learning even more interesting.

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of the Captain No Beard series. Both Captain No Beard-An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate’s Life and Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis have received the Kirkus Star of Exceptional Merit. The first book in the series was named to Kirkus Reviews Best 2012. Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis has been named to Kirkus Reviews Best of 2015. Each book in the series has won numerous awards including the NABE Pinnacle Award, IAN Award, Moonbeam Award 2014, National Indie Excellence Award Finalist, Shelf Media Outstanding Series Award, ForeWord Review Five Star and Finalist in the Book of the Year, and Reader’s Views Children’s Book of the Year 2013.

Carole P. Roman is also the author of the award-winning non-fiction culture series, “If You Were Me and Lived in…” that explores customs and cultures around the world. She has co-authored a self-help book, Navigating Indieworld A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing. She lives on Long Island with her husband and near her children and grandchildren. Carole invites readers to connect with her via her website

To see all my other posts on Roman’s books, click HERE.

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