Children’s topic books about the Romans. This list of books for children aged 5-11 in primary school years 1-6 in KS1 and KS2 contains recommended topic books to appeal to all reading abilities. We have picked a range of picture books, nonfiction, and children’s novels to read aloud, discuss in groups or individually or use as an impetus for discussion in history, literacy, during class time or book clubs. This list of reading suggestions is revised regularly and includes stories by Tony Bradman, Christina Balit, Andy Stanton, Theresa Breslin, Gary Northfield, and Marcia Williams.
Our recommended children’s books for topics about the Romans
My Family and Other Romans by Marie Basting
Heroine Livi must save the world from her war goddess mum, her uncle’s army, her Cyclops sister and her dad, who’s now a lava soldier. LARP meets real life in this fast-paced and fun historical time travel romp that children in KS2 will love. It’ll turn your Romans topic on its head! Read our full review.
Circus Maximus: Rider of the Storm by Annelise Gray
Dido charges into her third adventure, leaving behind the racing track to train horses with Scorpus and Parmenion. But trouble is brewing with the arrival of a fiery black stallion. Compelling, rooted in history and powerful, Circus Maximus: Rider of the Storm is highly recommended for UKS2 Romans topics. With rich period detail and a captivating female protagonist, this action-packed story is a must-read. Saddle up and join Dido for the toughest, most dangerous race of her life!
Vita and the Gladiator by Ally Sherrick
Vita rails against a future of arranged marriage and motherhood as a high-born girl in Roman London. But when her father is killed, she flees that life, poses as a slave, and teams up with unlikely allies in a breakneck race to find out who committed the murder. With fast-paced chapters, rich historical detail and a strong female protagonist, this cracking middle-grade novel does not disappoint.
Everything Romans in Britain by National Geographic Kids
Covering a wealth of social history, chronological events and true stories, Everything Romans in Britain is an ideal topic book resource for the classroom, independent homework projects or lockdown learning. Particular strengths of this text are the use of timelines, images of modern reconstructions and a real sense of what it would have been like for you if you had been living in Roman times. The powerful blend of images, bright graphics and sharp text help to bring the period alive.
Roman Army by Ruth Brocklehurst
All you need to know about the Roman army, from armour and weapons to what the soldiers did in their spare time. There’s an added bonus of links to websites for more information.
The Roman Gods, Emperors and Dormice by Marcia Williams
A fun graphic storybook featuring Dormeo the dormouse as the main character, who leads us on a journey through all aspects of Roman life in a wonderfully accessible and appealing way.
My Story – Roman Invasion by Jim Eldridge
Bran is a British prince, taken hostage by the Roman army. He is made to lead them through hostile territory as they march east to build a road. Bran’s presence is supposed to keep them safe from attack – but will it?
Roman Soldiers Handbook by Lesley Sim and Ian McNee
Written as a guide for a new member of the Roman army, this engaging book covers all aspects of how to stay alive. Find out how to train and march, what to eat, and how to dress as a Roman soldier.
The Roman News by Andrew Langley
Get the latest edition of The Roman News. All the gossip about the Romans, written in true tabloid style. Food, fashion, adverts, and fun – mixed with historical facts.
Roman Diary: The Journal of Iliona by Richard Platt
Captured by pirates and then sold as a slave, Iliona is separated from her brother Apollo and finds herself in Rome. Here she records her life in a diary. Details of Rome in AD 107 paint an enthralling picture of food, clothes, gladiators, and feasts.
Across the Roman Wall by Theresa Breslin
Part of a series of exciting stories aimed at KS2, this ancient-era tale brings together Marinetta, a Briton, and Lucius, a Roma officer’s son. Hating each other on sight, they find that circumstances bring them together.
Tiger Tiger by Lynne Reid Banks
An exciting cat story set in Rome during the time of Caesar. Two tiger cubs, one a pet, the other doomed to fight in the Coliseum, are at the centre of this nail-biting adventure.
Revolt Against the Romans by Tony Bradman
A gripping tale of a clash of cultures when the Romans invade Britain. Seen through the eyes of a young Roman boy, captured and held hostage by a British tribe.
Roman Activity Bank by Sue Weatherill and Steve Weatherill
A wonderful cross-curricular topic book, full of ideas for art, design and technology and science.
The Paninis of Pompeii by Andy Stanton
A chuckle-inducing story of the last days of Pompeii. Full of impossible characters, with equally impossible names, and jaw-dropping and hilarious events.
Julius Zebra Rumble with the Romans by Gary Northfield
Captured and taken to the Colosseum in Rome, Julius and his friend Milus the lion and Cornelius the warthog have to survive as gladiators! A crazy roller-coaster ride in easy to read short chapters with cartoon illustrations.
The Rotten Romans by Terry Deary
One of the popular Horrible Histories series, this book looks at life from Nero to Boudica. No unpleasant detail is neglected! Guaranteed to draw in the most reluctant reader.
Look Inside a Roman Town by Conrad Mason
A book that is bound to be popular. The life of the Romans is revealed by over 70 lift-up flaps. Sure to provoke questions, this is a book that will inspire children to want to know more.
What the Romans Did for Us by Philip Wilkinson
Based on the TV programmes, this book is a treasury of information for young readers. There’s an easy to follow format with brilliant illustrations of Roman inventiveness and technology which changed the way of life in England forever.
Roman Things to Make and Do by Leonie Pratt
A gift of a book for both children and teachers. Full of activities that will turn a class into gladiators, soldiers, and emperors! Most important of all, a guide for how to put on your toga.
The Orchard Book of Roman Myths by Geraldine McCaughrean
Roman myths are brought to life through wonderful pictures and text by an award-winning author and illustrator. The stories of Venus, Romulus and Remus, and thirteen others are made accessible for KS2 readers.
Escape from Pompeii by Christina Balit
Tranio and Livia run from the devastating eruption and ash cloud from Vesuvius, gasping for air. Hiding on a boat, they watch the destruction of their home in Pompeii.
Aquila by Andrew Norriss
A roman themed time travel adventure full of thrills and honour. An ideal class reader to use for Roman topic teaching in upper KS2.
Looking for more topic books? Try our books for topics in KS1 and KS2 page.
We also have lists of recommended reading books for children aged 3-11.
Romans topic resources
- The Historical Association – free lesson plans and resources.
- Ashmolean Museum teacher resources.
- Historic England teacher resources.
- British Museum downloadable classroom resources.
- The Ancient Technology Centre – an excellent site to visit for the Stone Age, Iron Age, Roman, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings.
- English Heritage – a guide to life in Britain between AD 43-410. Lots of free resources.
Videos and interactive
- BBC Teach – KS2 History – Roman life in Britain.
- BBC Bitesize – class clips.
Centurian boy costume
Girl costume
Emperor costume for teachers
Period timeline poster
STEM arch kit
STEM period catapault setLooking for more topic books? Try our books for topics in KS1 and KS2 page.
We also have lists of recommended reading books for children aged 3-11.
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