Alexander the Great Rocks the World

by Vicky Alvear Shecter, Terry Naughton (Illustrator)

Describes the life and accomplishments of the military ruler who conquered ancient Persia and Egypt and united many cultures with one ruler, one language, and one currency.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Biography Memoir

128 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2006

About the author

Vicky Alvear Shecter/Victoria Alvear writes about the ancient world and the often disturbing parallels with today's political unrest and misogynistic backlash. She writes as Victoria Alvear for adults. Her latest book is THE CLEANSING, based on the true story of an ancient Roman Vestal Virgin falsely accused of having sex and fighting in court to keep from being buried alive for her so-called "crime." Midwest Book Reviews called the book, "Original, exceptional, deftly crafted and a simply riveting read from cover to cover."

For nearly twenty years, she has served as a docent at the Michael C. Carlos Museum of Antiquities at Emory University, where she regularly engages the public on the fascinating aspects of ancient life and politics.

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a frustrating reduction of historical events and characters into caricatures (and I'm not talking about the illustrations, which are at least funny). It often treats speculation as fact, or at least biases it so heavily that you don't know which speculation you ought to treat as fact. Bleh.

[Jeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saw this book in the shelf in the library while at an event for kids. Started reading and couldn’t put it down. Written for kids without losing the impact of Alexander the Great. Very enjoyable and educational. Fifth grade and up.

[Tate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good I guess Maybe

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lively book makes ancient history accesible and interesting to kids. Unfortunately, it's chatty style is why so many teachers and students of childrens lit don't like it. But I love the book and admire the way it presents historical detail in a style that is both accurate and interesting to read. Even reluctant students of history will enjoy and learn from this book. Reading should be both beneficial and fun and this book is a good blend of both.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wouldn't mind traveling back in time to meet Alexander. What a man. This book supports the reader by including maps, a timeline, helpful textboxes, and lots of useful photos of artifacts. Comic drawings preserve the youthful vibe of the book.
If you are into all things B.C.E., you will love this book.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grades 4-7
Kids who think that biographies equal boring will love being proven wrong with this informative and utterly engaging look at the life of Alexander the Great and the people who influenced him. Shecter sets a wonderful example for students with her comprehensive chapter-by-chapter endnotes and bibliography. A great resource for elementary and middle school libraries.

[The Library Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Schecter attempts to be hip and witty in this book to draw kids in. And she will probably succeed for now. But lots of slang and "cool" talk will date this work in no time. Too bad, because her prose is entertaining and beyond the fun is a solid biography for older elementary and middle school kids

[Denise Ashlock-Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

VOYA 2006 List. I really enjoyed this book. The writer, Vicky Shecter had such a funny and quirky sense of humor. It made reading the book very enjoyable. I don't think this could be used in class, but I would definitely recommend it to students.

[Gab · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started getting into an isn't history I got discouraged because the books were too long, the websites were too scratchy and it was hard to understand a word of the available textbook bricks. This book changed that and spawned a fascination for Alexander the Great.

[Roxanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A humorous biography of Alexander the Great for kids. Great illustrations.

[Vatsal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical, and really funny

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and easy to read, but with a lot of important information packed inside.