The Thieves of Ostia (The Roman Mysteries)
#1 of 17 in The Roman Mysteries Series
on Goodreads (3,611)
What’s inside...
In Rome in 79 A.D., a group of children from different backgrounds work together to solve the mystery of who beheaded a pet dog and why. The story unfolds in Ostia, the port of Rome, where Flavia Gemina, a sea captain's daughter, teams up with three new friends - Jonathan, Nubia, and Lupus - to investigate the mysterious deaths of local dogs. As they uncover clues, they narrowly escape dangers, including being kidnapped by a slave dealer, and expose a series of burglaries, painting a vivid picture of life in ancient times.
Discussion points
Why do you think the characters in the story felt compelled to solve the mystery?
What did you learn about life in ancient Rome from this book?
How do the characters show bravery and teamwork throughout their adventure?
Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem like Flavia and her friends?
What would you have done differently if you were one of the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the historical setting of ancient Rome, asking how they would feel and react in similar situations. Use the mystery element of the story to discuss the importance of gathering facts before making decisions. Highlight the teamwork between the characters to stress the value of cooperation and friendship in overcoming challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Thieves of Ostia,' the protagonist, Flavia, teams up with friends to solve a mystery, showing that working together can lead to greater success than working alone.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of collaborating with others, whether on school projects or during play, to achieve common goals and solve problems.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters confront fearful situations. Through their bravery, they often discover that they can overcome obstacles and succeed.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of facing their fears, whether it be speaking in front of the class, trying out for a sports team, or standing up to a bully.
Example Lesson: Historical understanding and appreciation
Explanation: Set in ancient Rome, 'The Thieves of Ostia' provides readers with insights into Roman culture and history, enriching their understanding of a different time period.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge to enhance their academic performance in subjects like history, and it can also increase their cultural awareness and appreciation.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: As Flavia and her friends work together to unravel the mysteries, they employ critical thinking and deduction. This highlights the process of gathering information, considering various possibilities, and deciding on the best course of action.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply logical thinking to their daily challenges and to methodically solve problems they encounter in their studies or social interactions.
Example Lesson: Justice and integrity
Explanation: The pursuit of truth and justice is a central theme in the book, as the characters seek to right wrongs and bring culprits to light, portraying the importance of honesty.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to uphold truth and integrity in their actions and interactions, from being honest in their school work to dealing fairly with peers.