The Timekeepers: The Ancient Olympics

The Timekeepers #2

by S.J. King, Esther Hernando (Illustrator)

Tag along with the Timekeepers in these history-themed adventure stories to discover amazing people and events that shaped our world.

Tag along with the Timekeepers in these history-themed adventure stories for 7 to 9 years olds that will help readers discover the amazing people and events that shaped our world. With a collection of adventures that span all of history, The Timekeepers series is perfect for any adventure lover.

Meet the Timekeepers, a secret organization of kids who keep the course of history on track - and history needs them! A villain called DeLay is set on causing chaos. When the hands on their special watches start to spin backwards, the Timekeepers know that DeLay has been up to no good, and it's up to them to put things right.

This children's chapter book series

- An introduction to history in a way that blends a fun story with real facts, and also includes a non-fiction section with additional information such as, timelines, quizzes, and a glossary.
- Beautifully illustrated art accompanied by expertly written text.
- An insight into different historical time periods, carries the theme of persistence through adversity, and shows the connection between the past and the present.

In this installment, The Timekeepers are tipped off that the Time Pirate DeLay is planning on sabotaging the first Olympic Games and need to put a stop to his plans! They travel back to ancient Greece to settle a dispute between Athens and Sparta at the Olympic Games. Can the Timekeepers end the conflict and protect the peace?

More in the series

At DK, we believe in the power of discovery.

So why stop there?

If you like The Ancient Olympics, then you'll love other titles in the series. Why not check out the second title in the series, The First Flight to learn about the world's first successful motor airplane?

Genres: History

130 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2023

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids and I enjoyed this second book in the Ancient Olympics series (please see my review for The Timekeepers: First Flight for more details on the series and how it compares to the other DK series by S.J. King, The Secret Explorers.) This does a good job of bringing the Ancient Greece and its Olympics to life without overwhelming with too much detail. One quibble -- in this book, the kids have the ability to freeze time and this really came out of nowhere. It adds even more plausibility issues to the already implausible time travel premise, especially as I would think other decisions should have been made earlier in the book if the kids really did have this freeze ability up their sleeve. On the plus side, Tempo the bird says "Cuckoo" considerably fewer times than in the previous book, and even helps with resolving the theft of the important historical item, so I was less annoyed by her presence this time around ;-)

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this early readers chapter book with my 6yo after picking it up off the library shelf. I loved the idea of time travel and historical fiction. This book takes two of the young time travelers back to Ancient Greece and the first Olympic Games. This had some adventure and neat facts but the villainous character DeLay needs more of a back story or more insight into his motives and end game. This was entertaining for sure with nice black and white illustrations sprinkled throughout.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional book for young readers. Not only entertaining, it is educational. Questions and a vocabulary are at the end of the book. Great present for a grandchild.

[Anna Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to historical fiction for young readers.

[Moon Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

having to read kids books for your literal job 🤝 ancient greece special interest

moon is thriving

[Bozhena Levine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you DK and Penguin Random House for the advanced review copy of this great book. This double feature volume is a great start to a new series for 2nd-3rd graders about time traveling group of kids making sure that historical events proceed as they should. Volume 2 focuses on the ancient Olympics and one of the first Olympic games between Sparta and Athens. A chapter book format, great, diverse set of characters, fast-paced plot, & plenty of action would appeal to the intended audience. Looking forward to sharing it with my students.