The Boy Who Stepped Through Time
Adobe EPUB eBook Series
What’s inside...
When Perry steps into a crumbling ruin while on holiday in France, he is not expecting to be transported back 1700 years to Roman times. While he hunts desperately for a way home, he must blend in as a slave – even if it means eating mice for dinner! Gradually, Perry is caught up in the fascinating world of grand Villa Rubia and a life he could never have imagined. But when he makes a new friend, he thinks he might already know her terrible fate. Perry is faced with an impossible choice: to find his way home or stay and guard his friend’s life – and risk being trapped in the past forever…
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-13
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Perry
Paula
Julius
Crispina
Discussion points
What would you do if you could travel back in time like Perry? Would you change anything, and why?
How do you think Perry felt when he realized he was in a different time period? Can you relate to his feelings?
The book shows different aspects of life in ancient Rome. What did you find most interesting or surprising?
Perry forms friendships despite the time barrier. How important do you think friendship is, regardless of the time or place?
What lessons do you think Perry learned from his adventures? What lessons did you learn from reading this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Relate the time-travel adventure to your child’s experiences by discussing any moments they wished could have been different or any historical period they find fascinating.
Discuss the emotional journey of Perry, emphasizing empathy and understanding of his feelings throughout the book.
Encourage your child to compare their daily life with that of children in ancient Rome, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for different cultures and times.
Highlight the importance of friendships in the story and relate it to your child’s personal experiences with their friends.
After discussing the lessons learned by Perry, ask your child about their personal takeaways and how they can apply these lessons in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the importance of courage and bravery
Explanation: Throughout 'The Boy Who Stepped Through Time,' the protagonist Perry shows courage as he navigates through ancient Roman times, dealing with unfamiliar situations and challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face new or intimidating situations in their own lives with bravery, understanding that it is okay to feel scared and still take brave actions.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship and cooperation
Explanation: Perry forms friendships across time, learning to cooperate with others despite cultural differences, which helps him in his journey.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of working together and building friendships, emphasizing that cooperation can lead to overcoming obstacles and shared joy.
Example Lesson: Historical empathy and cultural appreciation
Explanation: As Perry experiences life in ancient times, he learns about historical and cultural differences, fostering a sense of empathy and appreciation.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and respect different cultures and histories, promoting a more inclusive worldview and understanding of diversity.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Perry makes several mistakes as he adapts to a different era but learns from them, which assists in his personal growth throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This story can help children understand that mistakes are a natural part of learning and growth, and that they can be valuable lessons for improvement.
Example Lesson: The impact of kindness and generosity
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Perry's acts of kindness have positive effects on those around him, illustrating the ripple effect of good deeds.
Real-World Application: Children learn that kindness and generosity can have a profound impact on the world around them, encouraging them to act with compassion in their daily lives.