Avoid Being in Alexander the Great's Army

You Wouldn't Want to Be ...

by Jacqueline Morley

BY Morley, Jacqueline ( Author ) [{ You Wouldn't Want to Be in Alexander the Great's Army!: Miles You'd Rather Not March (You Wouldn't Want To... (Paperback)) By Morley, Jacqueline ( Author ) Oct - 01- 2005 ( Paperback ) } ]

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Childrens, Ancient, 2nd Grade, Picture Books, Geography

Paperback

First published October 1, 2005

About the author

Jacqueline Morley studied English at Oxford University and has taught English and History. She is the author of numerous books, including award-winning historical nonfiction titles for children. Her books have won several TES Senior Information book awards.

Reviews

[Elizabethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It combines a "daily experience" perspective with a history of the actual key events in Alexander the Great's conquest -- there were dates! and maps! I read this out loud to my K and pre-K boys and they also loved it, but I think it's definitely more appropriate for older children. Ideal (in terms of level of historical detail) for the first or even second pass as a self-read through Ancient History on a classical homeschooling timeline.

It has graphic details of gory and disturbing things that happened to soldiers in the army, but it's illustrated with comic book style characters so it's got a comedic effect. Also, it asks you to imagine yourself as a soldier who is, for instance, looting an ancient city. Better to read aloud with younger kids or have older kids do a report so you can discuss the ethical and moral dimensions of being in an army in the ancient world. Still, a useful book for showing just how hard and dangerous things were. My only quibble is that I wish they had had a small map on every page so that you could see where each event took place without having to flip back to the big map tracing Alexander's march on the first few pages.

I'll definitely check out the other books in this series.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been fascinated with learning about Alexander the Great and when I came across this book on the shelves I had to give it a try. The author, Jacqueline Morley, puts the reader in the position of being a foot soldier and throughout the book she shares some information on what it is like to be one in Alexander's army. It shares some facts with the reader and gives an outline to Alexander's life, his achievements as such a young and effective leader.

This book is appropriate for ages 8+

If I were to assign students a project on researching Alexander the Great I would recommend they look at this book, maybe even read it in class with the kids. It is just a fun approach to teaching and learning.

[Duane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed this series of books and this book delivers just the same amount of entertainment. We follow a man as he enters Alexander's armies. Walking thousands of miles, we see the savagery and hardships that the men encountered along the way. Filled with great illustrations and honest facts, this book is a great source of entertainment for anyone interested in the subject.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ran across this series at the local library. I'd never heard of it before but I certainly enjoyed You Wouldn't Want to Be in Alexander the Great's Army!: Miles You'd Rather Not March . It is aimed at 4th - 8th grade, depending on the reading level.

The cartoonish characters are fun, the history is accurate, although limited. That's okay, it is intended to be an introduction to the topic, not a graduate thesis. The nice thing about it is that it shows that history is not "boring." It is full of fascinating stories.

My only complaint about the book is the map. There is one, in the front. I think there should be one for every topic to show where Alexander is moving his men to now!

I would gladly include this book in any 4th-8th grade classroom library.

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate what this series is attempting to do - to get beyond the headlines to real life experiences of historical figures, often presenting the 'down side' of history. I agree this kind of perspective is something students need.

But this series in general and this book in particular are just okay. Worth a library check out, but not something I would want to own.

Maybe its the silly cartoon illustrations, the short attention span box format, or the perhaps the flippant writing style. Whatever, it is, I don't love it, I merely get through it and move on.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good lord! I forgot how maddening Alexander's treks to regain Greek control of Persia was....This was a great 'kid-friendly' version of the history of Alexander's marches, attacks, famous battles, etc... This one would actually be one I would want Elementary School Teachers to use in teaching the History of Alexander the Great. Some of the others in this series leave out stuff. This one has no-holds barred in regards to sharing the vast history of young Alexander!

[Kelly Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is unbelievable that Alexander's army did not rebel against his orders. It had to be difficult marching for so long and so far away from home. This book offers a glimpse at that difficult life as a solider far from home.

[Ciera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a way to learn about treachorous treaking with Alexander the Great! Set in ancient Greece this book opens doors to life in the army.

[Timothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the humor in history it gives

[Timothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A funny way of telling a somewhat grim story.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great summary of the topic.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asher (8yo) read.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of our favourites in the series so far. This series is so much fun and the illustrations are comical.

[Željko Filipin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun and short picture book about a life of a soldier in Alexander The Great's Army.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

We've read many of the books in the You Wouldn't Want To... series. I like that they tackle serious historical events and show the not-so-nice side of human behavior, but in a somewhat humorous and tongue-in-cheek way. The book puts you as the reader into the center of the story, so you can imagine what life in those times was like.

Our oldest daughter is studying the Ancient Greece and Rome and we thought we'd read this book that explains a little more about the history of Alexander the Great. The book explains the path he and his conquering army took.

We enjoyed reading this book together and will look for more of the books in this series at our local library.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think Alexander "the Great" should be renamed Alexander the bad

[Jenny Mock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for reluctant readers who need to be enticed to read.