Why this is a great book for schools

Jul 18, 2012 by Jeryl

Many popular book choices in schools are fun for students to read, but have little educational substance. Students, especially boys, are picking up and reading fantasy and science fiction books, but what do they really gain from them from an educational perspective? With a nationwide effort at Common Core Standards, there is a strong emphasis on teachers using more non-fiction and getting the most out of every minute of the day.

Do teachers have time to let students read fantasy or science fiction?

That is what makes Athena’s Son a great choice for schools: It has an exciting plot that will keep students’ attention and it is historically and scientifically accurate.

Regarding the first reason, I believe too many books for middle grade readers have the child protagonist rely on magic to solve the conflict. In Athena’s Son, Archimedes uses his brain, which is exactly who he was in the ancient world: an ingenious scientist and inventor.

The second reason it is a great choice for classrooms is all the curriculum connections teachers can make. The book does a great job of introducing and explaining physics, anatomy, constellations, Greek culture, Egyptian culture, and Alexander the Great.

With the renewed emphasis school districts are putting on the sciences, Athena’s Son engages students and opens them up to the fantastic world of ancient civilizations without relying on fantasy.