Barbarians!
What’s inside...
The term 'barbarian' was originally used by the ancient Romans to label individuals who were coarse, rude, or foreign. Over time, the word has also come to symbolize bloodthirsty cruelty. This book explores whether groups like the Goths, the Huns, the Vikings, and the Mongols were truly as barbaric as history suggests. Through vibrant and detailed illustrations, author Steven Kroll and illustrator Robert Byrd delve into the lives, religious practices, and celebrations of these nomadic warriors. They show how these groups' movements across Europe and Asia through trade and conquest ultimately had a profound and lasting impact on the world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life was like for the barbarians depicted in the book?
How did the actions of the characters influence the outcome of the story?
If you were in the story, how would you interact with the barbarians?
What lessons can we learn about teamwork and leadership from the book?
How do you think the barbarians felt about their lifestyle and choices?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the barbarians' world; ask them to describe a day in their life.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the story and what your child would have done differently.
Pose hypothetical scenarios to your child about changing key events and predict how the story would change.
Link the themes of the book to real-world examples of teamwork or leadership to reinforce learning.
Encourage your child to draw or create their own barbarian character, discussing the traits and values they would have.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Barbarians!' the characters must work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles, teaching kids the value of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers during group activities at school or in sports, learning to value each team member's contributions.
Example Lesson: Understanding differences
Explanation: The book demonstrates how characters from diverse backgrounds can achieve common goals, promoting acceptance and diversity.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to embrace and respect differences in their classmates and community, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The plot involves characters facing challenges that they solve together, which illustrates the importance of critical thinking and creativity.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to think creatively in their own lives, using problem-solving skills to tackle homework or resolve disputes with friends.
Example Lesson: Value of courage
Explanation: Characters in 'Barbarians!' often take brave actions to help others, highlighting the benefits of courage and selflessness.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to act bravely in situations where they see someone in need or when facing their own fears, whether at school or in other social settings.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The book shows that choices characters make have outcomes that affect themselves and others, teaching responsibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their actions have effects on others around them, encouraging them to think before they act in their daily interactions.