We can give a huge "thank you" to American Home School
Publishing for reprinting many of the works of Caroline Dale
Snedeker. It appears she did not begin writing until her 30's
and from then on produced numerous books that are set in ancient
history, filled with adventure and excellent writing. Four of
her books were set in ancient Greece, including The Spartan. The
book was originally written for adults, but it was not
ultimately well received until it was rewritten for children. It
is most appropriate for those ages 12 and up. The Spartan tells
the story of a young boy named Aristodemos. It begins with his
mother delivering him from Athens to be raised by an uncle in
Sparta after she is widowed. Young Aristodemos is less than
enthusiastic about his new life. He ultimately trains to become
quite a fighter and fights in The Battle of Thermopylae. While
300 warriors around him perish, he survives, much to his
disillusionment and disgrace. The balance of the book details
his experience of being cast out by Spa