The Roman News
by Andrew Langley, Philip de Souza
Candlewick Press (MA) 1999
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- ancient civilizations
- daily life
- government and law
- empire and conquest
- engineering and technology
- culture and entertainment
- military and society
- journalism-style storytelling
About this book
Presented like a bustling daily newspaper, The Roman News drops readers into the streets, forums, and amphitheaters of ancient Rome. Short, witty articles, advertisements, and interviews cover everything from emperors and gladiators to roads, baths, and family life. The colorful layouts and playful headlines make complex history easy to grasp and fun to browse, perfect for reports or curious kids who love facts. Great for upper elementary and middle-grade readers who enjoy history with humor and eye-catching visuals.
Setting: Ancient Rome and the wider Roman Empire (c. 1st century BCE–4th century CE)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Roman News right for my child?
Yes — The Roman News is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.2, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include ancient civilizations, daily life, government and law.
How long does it take to read The Roman News?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Roman News takes around 34m to finish. The book has 6,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Roman News have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Roman News has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Roman News?
The Roman News has an AR reading level of 6.2, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.