Our Little Spartan Cousin of Long Ago

Our Little Cousin of Long Ago

by Julia Darrow Cowles, John Goss (Illustrator)

Engaging account of the life of children in ancient Sparta, where patriotism, heroism, and strength in battle are the highest ideals. We discover how at age seven boys leave home to live in company with 15 others, training to be Spartan soldiers through rigorous physical and mental exercises. In addition to wrestling, running, and throwing the discus, we watch them foraging for their food, gathering reeds for their bedding, singing patriotic songs, and eating at mess with their elders. Emphasis is on the true nobility and rugged simplicity of the Spartan character. Attractive black and white illustrations complement the text. Suitable for ages 8 and up.

120 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 2008

About the author

Historical children's book writer.

She was the author of the Our Little Cousin from Long Ago series.

Reviews

[Jennifer Ritchie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pros:
This book is wholesome, educational, historically accurate (as far as I could tell), and affordable (Kindle version was $1.99).

Cons:
The title makes me cringe, and the writing is mediocre.

This book is certainly educational, but it isn’t great children’s literature. It’s not terrible, either; you could do much worse. I do appreciate that it focuses on explaining what daily life was like for Spartan children of the time period, rather than dwelling on dates and political events. But it definitely gives off a school-book vibe: it seems to wear its hair in a tight bun, and rustle its starchy skirts, and say primly, “Good morning, boys and girls. Sit up straight in your chairs while I teach you all about the little boys and girls of Ancient Sparta.”

Since I don’t currently know of a better children’s book on ancient Sparta, it’s quite likely that my younger children will read this for homeschool at some point, but it isn’t one of my top priorities. I would label this as appropriate for grades 4-6.

[Rachel Behrends · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful tale for children to be introduced to Spartan culture. It is honest about their virtues and faults without being overly graphic or getting into material inappropriate for children.

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with my 8 year old son for homeschool. It was an easy read and was perfect for teaching him about life in Sparta. It was age appropriate and had a gentle story to help keep his attention.

[Leila Chandler · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good and my 6 and 7 year old really liked it, but it lacked an overall story arch. Each chapter was like a little contained episode of life in Ancient Sparta. There was no rising action, climax, then resolution.

[Tracy Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun homeschool read-alouds with my fourth-grader and my first-grader.

[Alicia Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story

I read this to my daughter as part of our ancient history study of the Greeks. It was a fun story. We learned a lot about Spartan culture.

[Teresa Kartheiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read aloud. Really helpful in learning the culture in Sparta. Great living book.

[Wahyu Awaludin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

[Jamie Chaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this did a good job bringing to life what growing up in Sparta would be like and it highlighted several historical events that we previously read about which was neat

[Madison Rutherford · Rating 4 out of 5]

The names tripped me up a few times. Would have been more enjoyable if we read more frequently.

[Desiree Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great homeschool book to read with the kids but still interesting to me as an adult

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as part of our homeschool study of Ancient Greece.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 7yo really enjoyed this book. Will read again with the 5yo when he's older.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our little spartan cousin of long ago was a very realistic story. My favorite part was when the boys were chasing the fox. I did not like it when story ended, I never do. I thought it funny when the boys enacted a play. It made me sad when Chartas had to give up the Olympics to stay in case of a fight. All in all this was such a good that I couldn't seem to put it down.