Living Books by Level for Mystery of History Volume 1: Creation to Christ

Key:  MOH = Mystery of History, SCM = Simply Charlotte Mason, SL = Sonlight, TT = Tracy's Treasury

I'm just going to jump right in to posting this book list. If you're feeling a little lost and want to know what this list is or how to use it... OR if you want to find my similar book lists for other history timeframes, click here! Without further adieu, here we go! 

Family Books...

Bible

Children’s Illustrated Bible by Selina Hastings – (TT grades preschool and up, Am grades 1 and up. 4 stars. This is our bible story book, which I scheduled along with all the corresponding MOH lessons. Don’t confuse it with this one b/c it’s TINY and the illustrations need to be full sized!)

The Great Pyramid by Elizabeth Mann - A story of the Great Pyramid and the people who built it. Similar to David Macaulay’s Pyramid, but shorter and not as much construction detail. (SCM Family Book. 4.7 stars. Great book. MOH lesson 11.)

 The Great Pyramid by Elizabeth Mann – Meet a nation of farmers living on the green edge of a harsh desert with a king who was a god in life and in death. Tens of thousands of farmers left home each year to chisel hard stone without iron tools and move 10-ton blocks up steep grades without the use of a wheel, all to the glory of the Pharaoh. (TT K-8, Am 4-8. SCM recommends other books in this series. It was great! It shows what a massive undertaking it was to build a pyramid. It's similar to David Macaulay’s Pyramid, but shorter and not as much construction detail. My first grader and I both loved it. Rated 4.7 stars. MOH lessons 11, 22-24.)

Ancient Egypt and Her Neighbors by Lorene Lambert - A fascinating narrative of life in Ancient Egypt intertwined with captivating stories of the other civilizations that existed alongside her—neighbors far and near. (SCM Family book. This has been an excellent book to supplement so many of the MOH lessons! We’ve all enjoyed it. It may be cheapest here. If that link doesn’t work, search for it in the SCM bookstore. MOH lessons 7-85)

Pharaoh’s Boat by David Weitzman - Two stories in one: how and why the boat was made for Pharaoh Cheops, and how it was discovered and reconstructed in the 1950s. Fascinating detail woven into the story. (SCM Family book. Rated 4.6 stars. This was fine to check out from the library but we were not compelled to own it. MOH lesson 11.)

The Great Wall of China by Leonard Everett Fisher - Twenty-two hundred years ago in China, King Chen's greatest responsibility was to protect his people from their fierce enemies. To do so he built a Great Wall 3,750 miles long. An awe-inspiring look at why and how the Great Wall of China was built. (SL Core B for grades 1-3, Am grades 1-5. Read aloud grade 1 to adult, read alone grade 4 to adult. Rated 4.1 stars. MOH 90. Beware of violence and the mention of workers being buried alive. Perhaps read it yourself first. MOH lesson 90)

The Story of the Greeks by H . A . Guerber, edited by Christine Miller (Nothing New Press edition) - A living narrative that weaves the story of Ancient Greece . This edited version removes evolutionary comments and honors the Biblical accounts.
 (SCM Family book. I’m really glad we bought this one. It’s an enjoyable book about Greek legends and history. There are several editions of it, so be sure to get this one. The publisher must be “Nothing New Press.” MOH lessons 39-93)

City: A Story of Roman Planning and Construction by David Macaulay - In typical Macaulay style, the story of planning and constructing a fictional Roman city is presented and detailed with lots of illustrations. Fascinating for all ages.
 (SCM family book. Rated 4.8 stars. This one looks really neat. It could be used this year to introduce the Romans around lesson 95. If not then it could be used at the very beginning of Volume 2.)

Story of the World: Ancient Times by Susan Wise Bauer – This easy to read-aloud text will engage your whole family. History, told in a story-book style that covers the events from 500 BC to 400 AD, journeys from Ancient Mesopotamia through Egypt and Babylonia, to Greek culture and Ancient Rome. This fact-filled tome comes in a voice that is easy even for young children. Chapters in narrative form occasionally even include ancient fairy tales and thoughts of what life would be like for a child during that time period. (SL Core G for grades 6-8. Read aloud grades 1-adult, read alone grades 3-adult. We own the audio version of this. Rated 4.4 stars.)

Usborne Encyclopedia 12000 Years of World History - This newly updated book takes readers on a tour of world history, from ancient times to the start of the 21st century. Ancient Egypt, the Aztec Empire, Medieval Europe, the First World War and many more fascinating subjects. Includes an illustrated time chart, more than 100 maps, fabulous illustrations and photos, links to more than 800 Usborne-recommended websites and more. (SL Core G, W for grades 6-9. Read aloud grades 3 to adult, read alone grades 5 to adult.)

The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia - Chock full of riveting facts, revelations and revolution, this reference book brings world history (from early humans to the war on terror) to life! Organized chronologically and then thematically within each period, with a timeline on every page. Includes biographies of important people and features on art, architecture and technology. (SL Core G for grades 6-8. Read aloud grades 2 to adult, read alone grades 3 to adult. Rated 4.5 stars.)

The Kingfisher Atlas of World History by Simon Adams - Discover how the past developed into the world we know today. A brilliant book that looks at the world during the major periods of history: the Ancient World, Medieval World, Age of Exploration and Empire (1450-1800), and the Modern World (since 1800). (SL Core W for grades 7-9, Am grades 2 and up. Read aloud grades 2 to adult, read alone grades 3 to adult. Rated 4.7 stars.)

Younger...

Archaeologists Dig for Clues by Kate Duke - Join an archaeological dig and learn about the tools and techniques archaeologists use! Find out how even the smallest bits of chipped rock, burned seeds, and stained dirt can provide clues to how ancient peoples lived. Fascinating! (SL Core B for grades 1-3, Am grades K-4. Rated 4.6 stars. I scheduled it with MOH lesson 7.)

Boy of the Pyramids by Ruth Fosdick Jones -
A mystery set in Ancient Egypt and solved by a ten-year-old boy and his father. Our favorite Ancient Egypt book for the younger grades! (SCM grades 1-3. Rated 5 stars. MOH lessons 11-24. I think this is a great read-aloud for grade-schoolers. This was my first grader’s favorite book, which he’s read several times now. It will probably be cheapest here. If that link doesn’t work, search for it in the SCM bookstore. MOH lessons 11, 22-24) 

Mummies in the Morning by Mary Pope Osborne - This is a magic tree house book about Jack and Annie going back in time to an ancient Egyptian tomb. (TT & Am grades 1-4. Rated 4.4 stars. MOH 11-24. I think it was my first grader’s first-ever “long” chapter book to read for himself. It’s a magic tree house book. MOH lessons 11, 22-24)

Tut’s Mummy, Lost… and Found by Judy Donnelly – Easy reader about King Tut’s Tomb with pictures. (SL Core B for grades 1-3, Am grades 2-4. Read aloud grades K-4, and read alone grades 2-4. Rated 4.5 stars. Since L was currently checking out lots of easy readers from the library, we added this one in too. MOH lessons 11, 22-24)

Hour of the Olympics by Mary Pope Osborne – This is a magic tree house book about Jack and Annie visiting the Olympic Games. (TT & Am grades 1-4. Rated 4.4 stars.)

Younger/Middle...

The True Story of Noah’s Ark by Tom Dooley – (SCM grades 1-6. Rated 4.4 stars. We just borrowed this from the library as it isn’t 100% accurate. MOH lesson 4)

Ancient Egypt from Mysteries of History – This is a richly illustrated book with lots of fold-outs, envelopes, hidden flaps, thermo-ink, etc. . I will mention here that the next few books listed are not on SL or SCM lists, but we spent almost a year on Ancient Egypt, so we found several really great books about it. (TT grades K-8. We love this series of books!!! MOH lessons 11, 22-24.)

Mummies Made in Egypt by Aliki – I checked out this book from the library but we ended up buying it because it went along so well with our studies. It’s a great kid-friendly introduction to mummification in ancient Egypt (TT grades K-6, Am grades 2-6. Rated 4.7 stars. MOH lessons 11, 22-24.)

Seeker of Knowledge by James Rumford – (TT grades K-5, Am grades K-3. Rated 4.8 stars. Between MOH lessons 21 & 22)

·      Egyptian Diary: The Journal of Nakht, Young Scribe by Richard Platt – This book is about a young boy’s every day life in Ancient Egypt. (SCM grades 1-3, Am grades 4-7)

Life in Ancient China by Paul Challen – This is a well-illustrated book about the people, history and culture of Ancient China. (TT grades 1-8, Am grades 4 and up. Rated 5 stars. MOH lessons 18, 29, 65, 90, 92, and some in Volume 2.)

The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt by Elizabeth Payne
- One of the few Landmark series books that continues to be in print. A conversational narrative of the main pharaohs who ruled Egypt. (SCM grades 4-9, Am grades 3-7. Rated 4.5 stars, with no reviews lower than a three. MOH lessons 22-24)

The Cat of Bubastes: A Tale of Ancient Egypt by G. A. Henty - Historical fiction by a master story-teller, written in 1888.
 (SCM grades 7-9, Am grades 3-8. Rated 4.1 stars. Public Domain. MOH lessons 22-24.)

Our Little Athenian Cousin of Long Ago by Julia Darrow Cowles… and…

Our Little Spartan Cousin of Long Ago by Julia Darrow Cowles- Both of these great books introduce young students to daily life in Ancient Greece through a storyline of a young person who lived there . (SCM grades 1-6. Rated 4.8 stars. MOH 39-87. These sound good. Both are Public Domain books. MOH lessons 39-93)

Greek Myths for Young Children by Usborne - Colorful introduction to the more significant gods, goddesses, and legendary figures of ancient Greece: Pandora, Heracles (Hercules), Midas, Icarus, and many others. (SL Core B read-aloud for grades 1-3, Am grades PreK and up. Read aloud K to adult, read alone grade 4 to adult. Rated 4.3 stars. I skipped it because we have Story of the Greeks. MOH lessons 39-93)

The Greek News by Anton Powell, Philip Steele - The news and lifestyles sections from an ancient Greek tabloid that never existed but should have. Interesting. A colorful and creative way to present the names, dates, and events of ancient Greece. (SL Core B for grades 1-3. Am grades 4-7. Read aloud K to adult, read alone grades 3-7. Rated 4.2 stars. I skipped this one because we have Story of the Greeks. MOH lessons 39-93)

Jerusalem, Shining Still by Karla Kuskin - a poetic rendering of Jerusalem's history, from David, who made shaking sky clouds bump against each other, through the present day paradox of physical magnificence with interfaith tensions. (Rated 4 stars. MOH K-5. Rated 4.5 stars. MOH lesson 57.)

7 Wonders of the Ancient World by Lynn Curlee – Seven Wonders has a lucid narrative, complemented by full-page, full-color illustrations. (MOH lessons 11, 58, 64, 77, 84, 87, 89.)

The Aesop for Children by Mio Winter - (SL Core C read-aloud for grades 2-4. Rated 4.5 stars. There are plenty of Aesop’s fables books out there and I imagine this one is fine, but I’ll just borrow one from the library. MOH lesson 60)

Ancient Asia from Mysteries of History – Travel into the past with this fascinating series. Young readers can play ancient games, touch the kabuki's mask, hold the real black mark and the Chinese coin in his hands. Novelty elements include 3D details, convertible envelopes, flaps, thermo-ink, magic candles, puzzles and secret hidings; rich illustrative material reveals the atmosphere of the past. (TT grades K-8. We love this series of books!!! MOH lessons 63, 90, and several more in MOH volume 2.)

Ancient Rome from Mysteries of History – Travel into the past with this fascinating series. Each richly illustrated book opens to a different world through 3D details, convertible envelopes, hidden flaps, thermo-ink, magic candles, and puzzles. (TT grades K-8. We love this series of books!!! MOH lessons 70, 91, 96 and several more in MOH volume 2.)

Herodotus and the Road to History by Jeanne Bendick - These two living biographies are a wonderful introduction to a scientist and historian of Ancient Greece . (SCM 4-6, Am lists no grades but I’m guessing it’s probably 5 and up like the previous book. Rated 4.6 stars. MOH 72.)

The Parthenon by Elizabeth Mann - This short, beautifully illustrated book gives a nice overview of Ancient Greece and the role of the Parthenon. (SCM grades 7-9, Am grades 4-8. Rated 4.8. I haven’t previewed this one but we have the another book in this same series, The Great Pyramid, which I’d classify as a family book. We’ll probably buy this one too b/c we really liked the Great Pyramid. MOH lessons 80-81.)

·    Hidden Army by Jane O’Connor – This is an easy reader version of the book The Emperor’s Silent Army also by Jane O’Connor. (MOH all students, MOH 90)

·   Conquest! Can You Build a Roman City? By Julia Bruce – This is a library book we liked in the Step into History series in which the reader is a general guided through a step-by-step guide showing them how to win a battle, build forts, roads, aquaducts, and govern their new province.  (Am grades 3-6)

Detectives in Togas by Henry Winterfeld
(SCM grades 4-6 & grades 1-3 listen in, SL Core B+C read-aloud for grades 1-3, Am grades 3-5. Rated 4.6 stars. MOH 95-101 and the beginning of volume 2)

Mystery of the Roman Ransom by Henry Winterfeld - Both books by Winterfeld are fun mysteries set in Ancient Rome. Students will be introduced to daily life in that era even as they seek to solve the not-too-simple mysteries. (SCM grades 4-6 & grades 1-3 listen in, SL Core G & W reader for grades 6-9, Am grades 3-5. Read aloud grades 3-8, read alone grades 4-8. Rated 4.9 stars.) MOH 95-101 and the beginning of volume 2)

Cleopatra by Diane Stanley – (Am grades 3 and up. Rated 4.3 stars. MOH lesson 98.)

Middle...

Hittite Warrior by Joanne Williamson - Uriah, a Hittite warrior, lived in the time of Deborah, 200 years before David and Saul. This is his story. It makes those ancient times, cities, and peoples -- the Hittites, Canaanites, Hebrews, and Achaeans (Greeks) -- all come to life once more. Well-written, intriguing. (SL Core G & W reader for grades 6-9, Am grades 6 and up. Read aloud grade 4 to adult, read alone grade 5 to adult. Rated 4.7 stars. Around MOH lesson 21 or 26)

The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
- Another classic mystery set in Ancient Egypt and written for children but with more twists and conflict than Boy of the Pyramids. (SCM grades 4-9, Am grades 5 and up, SL Core G & W read-aloud for grades 6-9. Read aloud grades 4-adult, read alone grades 7-adult. Rated 3.8 stars. It’s probably good. MOH lessons 11, 22-24)

Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw - Mara, a slave, plays the dangerous role of double spy for two arch enemies--each of whom supports a contender for the throne of Egypt. Exciting story of adventure, romance and intrigue in Ancient Egypt. (SL Core G & W reader for grades 6-9. Read aloud grades 4 to adult, read alone grades 7 to adult. Also recommended by MOH. Rated 4.8 stars. MOH lesson 24.)

Black Ships Before Troy by Rosemary Sutcliff
- A narrative of the Trojan War by a master storyteller. (SCM grades 7-9, Am grades 7 and up. Rated 4.5 stars. MOH lesson 25.)

Greek Myths by Olivia Coolidge - High drama, hazardous quests and unforgettable characters (mortal and immortal) reveal the landscape of early Greece and its most famous legends. From the loves of the gods (think Cupid and Psyche) to their rivalry with man (think King Midas) the stories in this introduction to classic mythology will thrill adventure seekers. (SL Core G & W for grades 6-9, Am grades 7 and up. Read aloud grades 3 to adult, read alone grades 4 to adult. Rated 4.6 stars. MOH lessons 39-93.)

God King: A Story in the Days of King Hezekiah by Joanne Williamson - Story of an Egyptian prince in 701 BC who reluctantly and unexpectedly succeeds to the throne and is then forced to run for his life. When he escapes he must choose alliance with either the Assyrian King or King Hezekiah of the Jews. (SL Core G read-aloud for grades 6-8. Read aloud grades 4 to adult, read alone grades 5-8. Rated 4.6 stars. MOH lesson 47.)

A Young Macedonian in the Army of Alexander the Great by Alfred Church - A wonderful historical fiction that brings to life some of the details of life and battle in the time of Ancient Greece, as well as how the various countries and their citizens interacted with each other . (SCM grades 7-9. No ratings yet. Public Domain. MOH lesson 85)

Archimedes and the Door of Science by Jeanne Bendick - A delightful biography of Archimedes, the Greek mathematician who made a number of wonderful discoveries—or proved their practical application. He is the one who learned how to measure a boat's displacement—and was so excited by his discovery, he ran naked through the streets yelling "Eureka! Eureka! (I've found it! I've found it!)." Science and history rolled up into one. (SCM grades 4-6, Am grades 5 and up, SL Core G & W reader for grades 6-9. Read aloud grade 3 to adult, read alone grade 5 to adult. Rated 4.5 stars. MOH lesson 87)

The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare - A classic historical fiction that centers around life during the time of Christ and how one boy meets Jesus. (SCM grades 7-9, SL core G & W reader for grades 6-8. Read aloud grade 3 to adult, read aloud grade 5 to adult. Rated 4.4 stars. MOH 103-108.)

Middle/Older...

The Kingdom Strikes Back by Dr. Ralph Winter and John Holzmann - An overview of God's heart for the nations as expressed in history from Abraham to the present. This unique overview of Scripture and world history paints a clear and compelling view of world missions and evangelism. Covering many cultures, historical events, and the times when followers of God have reached out to others -- and the times they have not -- this booklet is an excellent overview of a global outlook that permeates Sonlight. (SL Core G &W for grades 6-9. Read aloud grades 5-adult, read alone grades 6-adult.)

Adam and His Kin by Ruth Beechick
- Speculative yet intriguing narrative of what life may have been like for the main Bible characters through Abram. (SCM grades 7-12. Rated 4.1 stars. MOH lessons 1-13.)

Jashub’s Journal by Rebekah Shafer, Ruth Shafer, Sonya Shafer (one for each student) - A living story combined with a Bible study designed to highlight God’s wisdom in the laws He made. (SCM grades 7-12. No ratings. This book is exclusive to SCM. Search for it in the SCM bookstore.)

Leviticus: A Commentary for Children by Nancy E. Ganz - Don’t let the name fool you into thinking that this book will be too babyish for your older child. Adults can learn a lot from this commentary. It explains the priests’ responsibilities, the holy days that God instituted, the moral law, the civil law, funding for the Lord’s work, and more. An excellent, God-honoring overview of Leviticus, a book too often overlooked. (SCM grades 7-12. Rated 4.8 stars. MOH 20-21.)

Motel of the Mysteries by David Macaulay 
- A humorous look at the guess-work that plays a part in archaeology. Leads to great discussions about what is known and what is speculation in ancient history. (SCM grades 7-12. Rated 4.7 stars.)

The Wanderings of Odysseus by Rosemary Sutcliff - A narrative of the Odyssey by a master storyteller .
 (SCM grades 7-9, Am grades 7 and up. Rated 4.6 stars. MOH 39.) 

The Trojan War by Olivia E. Coolidge - An exciting and readable version of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, a thrilling saga of heroism and magical adventure. (SL Core G & W read-aloud for grades 6-9. Read aloud grades 3-adult, read alone grades 5-adult. Rated 4.3 stars. MOH 39.)

·      The Emperor’s Silent Army by Jane O’Connor. – This is a good book about the terracotta army. The shorter, easy reader version of it is called Hidden Army by Jane O’Connor which is listed for young/middle students. (MOH all students, MOH 90)

Augustus Caesar’s World by Genevieve Foster
- Though the author does a wonderful job giving a sense of all that was happening in the world during Augustus Caesar’s lifetime, she does present all of the religious beliefs as equal. If your child is able to discern as he or she reads, this book should prove valuable and provide good discussion material. If your child is not as grounded in truth, you may want to use the alternate books listed next. For the older child, encourage him to discern as he reads; this book should prove valuable and provide good discussion material. (SCM grades 7-12. Rated 4.8 stars. MOH lesson 101.)

OR Beric the Briton by G. A. Henty and For the Temple by G. A. Henty
Historical fiction by a master storyteller. Beric the Briton focuses on life in Britain before Rome conquered it. For the Temple is set in Jerusalem in A.D. 70 when Titus desecrated and destroyed the Temple. (SCM grades 7-12. Rated 4.6 stars. Public Domain.)

Older...

Uarda by Georg Ebers
- A historical fiction written in the late 1800s that makes the political and personal aspects of Ancient Egypt come alive. Extensive footnotes document ideas and descriptions in the storyline. (SCM grades 10-12. Rated 3.7 stars. Public Domain. MOH lessons 11, 22-24)

Unwrapping the Pharaohs by John Ashton and David Down
- An interesting and compelling new Egyptian chronology that confirms the Biblical account. (SCM grades 10-12. Rated 4.6 stars. MOH lessons 11, 22-24)

The Odyssey by Homer - Literature from Ancient Greece translated into English . This epic poem recounts the fanciful and adventurous journey home from the Trojan War by one of the Greek warriors, Odysseus. (SCM grades 10-12. Rated 4.4 stars. Public Domain. MOH 39.)

The Trial and Death of Socrates by Plato - Written by Socrates’ pupil, Plato, this work examines the events through dialogue (SCM grades 10-12. Rated 4.7 stars. Public Domain. MOH 83.).

Plutarch’s Lives, biography of Alexander, by Plutarch - A biography of Alexander the Great written by a man who lived soon after. (SCM grades 10-12. Rated 4.5 stars. Public Domain. MOH 85.)

A Victor of Salamis by William Stearns Davis - A historical fiction written in the late 1800s that makes the political and cultural aspects of Ancient Greece and Persia come alive. (SCM grades 10-12. Not adequately reviewed. Public Domain. MOH lessons 71-87.)

Ben-Hur by Lew Wallace
- A classic historical fiction set in the time of Christ. (SCM grades 10-12. Rated 4.6 stars. Public Domain. MOH lesson 103-104.)

Plutarch’s Lives, biographies of Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, by Plutarch -Biographies of great Romans written by a man who lived in Roman times. (SCM grades 10-12. Rated 4.5 stars. Public Domain. MOH 105.)