BACK TO SCHOOL TIME? I know it is the middle of summer but here in the west some kids started school today and so it's back to reading, giving book reports, and taking history classes.
Also, for those still enjoying your summer we thought we'd help you decide on a great summer read.
Zenobia on her trip to Alexandria visit 2 of the ancient 7 wonders of the world.In Book one, Zenobia - Birth of a Legend, you will visit Syrian Desert, Ancient Tadmor (which is Palmyra, Syria today), the Great Pyramids of Giza, and Alexandria, Egypt. You'll experience the excitement of lion attacks, archery, horse races, and education with some of the greatest philosophers.
In Chapters 29, Zenobia - Birth of a Legend Zenobia visits the Pyramids of Giza.
Here’s an excerpt from the experience:
Very slowly, the massive monuments grew on the horizon until in the eyes of a young girl, they began to overpower her senses…
After quite a while, she saw a third pyramid appear, much smaller than the first two, now set against a deepening purple hue. She engraved the moment in her mind, sensing this could be a singular experience, to be enjoyed again only in memory.
Finally, they drew near the base of the pyramids and stopped to camp for the night. Still in awe Zenobia spoke quietly, “They are majestic Mother, and they were especially magnificent with that beautiful sunset. Have you seen them like this before?”
In Zenobia - Birth of a Legend chapter 37, Zenobia visits the Pharos of Alexandria.
Read excerpt of Zenobia’s experience:
“This looks to be as tall as the great pyramid,” Salim proclaimed.
“It is,” agreed Zelina.
“Race you to the top!” Zenobia challenged Salim.
Zenobia sprinted up the stairs two at a time Salim close behind…At two hundred steps she was gasping for air, but so was her pursuer. Her legs were protesting, and Salim started to pass her, but she lunged ahead for another fifty steps. Suddenly he grabbed her ankle, and she toppled forward, landing lightly on the steep steps. “Cheater!” She yelled as he passed her.
Eventually they reached the level of the great mirror. Salim was already exploring, and he was fascinated by the mechanics of the system. The mirror itself nested in a frame which sat on a series of wheels on a wooden platform base. Three slaves pushed on protruding poles to turn it constantly. A central vertical shaft that penetrated the frame appeared to hold the mirror in position as it rotated. A beam of light from above somehow shone down on the mirror and was reflected out through the large windows which ringed the entire level.
Ancient Alexandria, Egypt became and for a long while remained an intellectual capital of the world. Alexandria become home to the world’s first-ever university. Main attraction was the Alexandria library.
Zenobia visits the Alexandria Library in Zenobia - Birth of a Legend chapter 33:
After a short ride they drew near the docks lining the harbor that opened onto the Great Sea. “Many of these buildings, and the docks themselves, were once made of wood, but now they are all stone,” her mother commented.
“Why?” asked Zenobia. “And how do you know?”
“I read a lot and I listen a lot,” came the reply, answering the second question first. “Nearly three hundred years ago, a great fire destroyed the docks, the buildings, and much of the greatest library the world has ever known. Thus, it was all rebuilt out of stone.”
“I thought you said we were going to see the greatest library.”
“In this part of the world, if you remember. The one in Pergamum is much larger. But the library in Alexandria now is only about one-tenth the size of the original one destroyed in the fire. That one held a million books!”
Attention Teachers and Parents:
Throughout the centuries, storytelling and fiction have been popular classroom discussions to present real life situations and problems, and examine resolutions. Instructors encouraged students’ dialogue of options and kindled critical thinking.
Russ Wallace plans critical thinking scenes in all books of the Zenobia series. He chronicles Zenobia’s rise to power, capturing her inquisitive nature in strategy-provoking and critical-thinking sessions aimed at the young adult market; though the books have broader appeal.
Similar discussions for classroom use are offered by Russ Wallace to help today’s youth learn how to apply critical thinking to their lives. To schedule an interview, please contact Julie Wallace at (480) 305-4372 or email geodepress@gmail.com.
Zenobia- Birth of a Legend, is a 2012 IPPY award winner in Historical Fiction. Book one, is now available at www.geodespress.com; hard cover and kindle format at http://www.amazon.com=zenobia+birth+of+a+legend; in most eBook formats at http://www.smashwords.com/books/Zenobia; and bookstores and libraries.
