Books about Romans

Black and British: A Short Essential History

Over a thousand years, the Romans left a lasting legacy, and we are still discovering more and more about them. This selection of books shows what various aspects of Roman life was like, from gladiatorial action to their religious rituals. It includes fiction and non-fiction and is suitable for primary-aged children.

Julius Zebra: Rumble with the Romans

Author: Gary Northfield
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 8-12
Reading age: 8

Set in ancient Rome, this is the hilarious tale of Julius, a zebra who is seized from his African watering hole and shipped hundreds of miles away to face the gladiators in combat at the Colosseum.
Roman Boy

Author: Tony Bradman Illustrator: Alessandro Valdrighi
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

This gripping historical novel, set in 125 CE, is full of treachery and war, and provides a fascinating insight into the life of a teenage boy in Ancient Rome.
The Roman Mystery Scrolls: The Sewer Demon

Author: Caroline Lawrence Illustrator: Helen Forte
Publisher: Orion Children's Books
Interest age: 8+
Reading age: 8+

Historically accurate, wonderfully atmospheric, peppered with humour and, being set in a sewer, features plenty of poo, wee, bottoms and farting.
A Roman Rescue

Author: Kelly Gerard Illustrator: Emma Dodd
Publisher: Templar
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+

Charlie and his trusty dog Bandit fall down a sinkhole and are transported to ancient Rome where he meets Cosmo and goes on an adventure...
Queen of Darkness

Author: Tony Bradman
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 9+

Rhianna and Eleri are taken in by Queen Boudica following the death of their parents. When Boudica's determination to rule enrages the Romans, the sisters find themselves in the midst of a frightening military campaign, beginning to question the Queen's very humanity. A gripping adventure portraying one of history's most legendary female icons.
Asterix the Gaul

Author: Renné Goscinny Illustrator: Albert Uderzo Translator: Anthea Bell and Derek Hockridge
Publisher: Orion
Interest age: 6-10
Reading age: 7+

In a tiny corner of Brittany, one small village of indomitable Gauls hold out against the almighty, all-conquering Romans.
Live Like a Roman: Discovering the Secrets of Ancient Rome

Author: Claire Saunders Illustrator: Ruth Hickson
Publisher: Button Books

A comprehensive, accessible guide to what it would have been like to live in Ancient Rome, with engaging activities and illustrations to bring the facts to life. Enjoyable reading at school or at home.
The History Keepers: Circus Maximus

Author: Damian Dibben
Publisher: Doubleday Children's Books
Interest age: 10+
Reading age: 9+

In this exciting installment of the History Keepers series, Jake must embark on risky missions to 18th century Sweden and Ancient Rome.
Eagle of the Ninth

Author: Rosemary Sutcliff
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Interest age: 10+
Reading age: 10+

In AD 117AD, the Ninth Legion marched into the mists of northern Britain... and were never seen again.
Circus Maximus: Race to the Death

Author: Annelise Gray
Publisher: Zephyr
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 6-8

In the exhilarating but brutal world of chariot racing the rewards are huge but so is the death-toll. This is the background to Dido’s quest for victory and justice; she must win, her life depends on it.
Ancient Games: A History of Sports and Gaming

Author: Iris Volant Illustrator: Avalon Nuovo
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 7+

A stunning book exploring the history of sport across the world, from the sword fighter the Lady of Yue to boat-jousting on the Nile in Ancient Egypt. As ever with Flying Eye titles, the illustration and lovely book production means that this is a special treasure of a book that kids will adore.
Romans on the Rampage

Author: Jeremy Strong Illustrator: Rowan Clifford
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 6+
Reading age: 7+

Strong's hilarious and pun-filled text, and Rowan Clifford's numerous excellent comic illustrations provide an ideal introduction to Roman life.
Black and British: A Short, Essential History

Author: David Olusoga
Publisher: Macmillan
Interest age: 9-14
Reading age: 9+

David Olusoga’s latest edition of Black and British has been revised and rewritten especially for secondary school children, and explains and illustrates the much-overlooked history of Black peoples in Britain and beyond.
The Romans: Gods, Emperors and Dormice

Author: Marcia Williams
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+

A comic-strip style retelling of the most famous stories from Roman history, from the birth of Romulus and Remus to the death of Julius Caesar.