The Boy Who Stepped Through Time

Anna Ciddor's novel The Boy Who Stepped Through Time is a glorious tale of a boy who time travels back to the Roman era whilst on holiday with his family. The story begins with Perry and his family visiting a Roman grape harvest festival at a Roman villa in France. Perry inadvertently ends up being transported back in time and has to work as a slave in the same villa.

There, Perry (Peregrinus) begins the most magnificent adventure; he not only has to fit in with his new friend, Carotus, but he also has to help avert a disaster involving Valentina - the master's daughter. The story is littered with historical facts and it's apparent that the author has researched the Roman era to the nth degree - there were lots of facts that I did not know, especially the peculiar foods Romans ate and the way the slaves were treated.

The story is fast-paced, Perry is a loveable character, he is kind, thoughtful but the reader also empathizes with him - it's easy to forget that he is still a young boy that is missing his family. This story would be an excellent class read - especially if the class is studying the Romans.  I would also use it alongside Egyptians or ancient Greek topics as it would be a brilliant link to retrieval practice - where links can be made to other periods in time.

If it was to be read as a standalone text - it would suit upper key stage 2 (for readers aged 9+), the vocabulary is just pitched right for this age. This will definitely be a welcome addition to my class library.

336 pages / Reviewed by Emma Nelson, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+