Zenobia Book Series: Critical Thinking

Showing posts with label Critical Thinking. Show all posts

Monday, July 22, 2013

BACK TO SCHOOL! And your next SUMMER READ!

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.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Tuesday Teaser

Today we share a scene of Longinus, the critical thinking Professor and Zenobia discussing the Gods. There were lots of different beliefs and all interested her. Read below from book two, Zenobia - Challenging a Legend as they discuss the Gods.

Longinus became pensive, wondering how she would react to his argument. “Let us look at Zeus, the chief god to the Greeks. He supposedly was a creator. However, Greek theology teaches that he was also a rapist, taking on the shapes of animals and forcing himself on women. A superhuman deity with subhuman morals or ethics. I simply cannot believe that such a god, if he were real, would care about making things for us to enjoy. It is inconsistent.”

“I had not thought about that side of it,” Zenobia confessed, “but your analysis makes sense, as usual. Plus, a god who so misbehaves certainly does not merit our worship.”

“Since we humans have a capacity to enjoy such a variety of things, it seems that we were designed that way. Whoever created us must have wanted us to delight in our lives. In no way does that fit with the descriptions of the gods of the nations. I have concluded that there has to be a creator, or creators, that truly care about mankind. The other gods appear to be merely the imaginings of men, who have envisioned their gods in their own likenesses, with their own weaknesses. Those gods I can never believe in.”

“Then why” Zenobia pressed, “do most people believe in all these gods?”

“Habit. Community pressure. Fear. Lack of an alternative. Certainly not logic.”

The Goddess who was know as a huntress and proficient with her bow and arrow was compared to Zenobia. When she won an archery contest with her new bow and arrow, Brutus who took second said, "“Well done, Diana!” Brutus told the victor. “I am not sure that even seeing it I believe it!” (http://geodepress.com/thinking-thursday-zenobia-wins/)

In Roman mythology, Diana was the goddess of the woodlands, of wild animals, and of hunting. Artists usually portrayed her as a virgin hunter, often with a bow and quiver, accompanied by maidens, hunting dogs, or deer.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Tuesday Teaser – Are you a lover of Justice like Zenobia?

Are you a lover of justice like Zenobia? Ch 13 in Zenobia- Challenging a Legend in her critical thinking class in Alexandria, Egypt they are discussing how to build an empire. At the time Egypt is ruled by Rome. Here is a discussion that took place in class when they questioned her on how she would overthrow Rome.

“I, for one, hate that!” exclaimed Zenobia. “To oppress a weaker people is unjust and unrighteous! Lovers of justice should try to fix that.”

“And what exactly would Miss Righteous do?” Philander asked indignantly.

“Yes, Zenobia,” agreed Hermeseus, “history shows that rebels don’t live long!”

“I don’t consider cowering in fear to be living, and ‘rebels,’ as you call them, have toppled world empires. Assyria conquered Egypt, Babylon conquered Assyria, Persia conquered Babylon, Greece conquered Persia, …”

….

“The answer lies in the ingredients needed to build the empire,” she began. “Remove those and the empire will collapse, or be weakened enough to be conquered.”

….

“Hypothetically speaking of course, what would happen in Rome if the grain ships from Egypt suddenly stopped sailing?” she asked. The simple question hung in the air for a moment, and then the students erupted, a dozen making comments at the same time.

Hope you enjoy the Tuesday Teasers and this holds you over until Book two is available.

For a chance at a free copy of book one go to Jan 3rd post (http://geodepress.com/zenobia-birth-of-a-legend-free-book-giveaway/) and answer one of the Trivia Questions and email the answer.

Zenobia- Birth of a Legend is a 2012 IPPY award winner in Historical Fiction

“Like” us at http://www.facebook.com/geodepress

“Follow” us a https://twitter.com/Zenobiaseries

amazon.com/author/russwallace

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Zenobia demonstrates gravity with her bow and arrow. Read all about it.

Tuesday Teaser Zenobia – Challenging a Legend

In book two, Zenobia - Challenging a Legend, Zenobia's favorite class is Critical Thinking. Not only because she loved to expand her knowledge but also because she found her Professor, Longinus very intriguing. Here are some sentences from Chapter 11.

When there were no more hands, Longinus said, “Smells and sounds and sights all exert an influence on us, which we might call a type of power or force. However, we today will concern ourselves with physical forces that are invisible to our eyes. I asked Zenobia to bring her bow today for a demonstration. Let’s go outside.”

He led them to a nearby park. When they arrived he asked, “How far can you shoot an arrow, Zenobia?”

“Normally, 100 paces is considered maximum range. Farther and the accuracy drops off quickly. I can shoot farther, but I am not skilled at that distance.”

“Good. Shoot an arrow straight out, please, horizontal, no lift to it.” He pointed in a direction for the moment devoid of people. She strung her bow and made the shot. He noted her professional stance and release.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Tuesday Teaser - Zenobia's education

Today we share sentences from Zenobia's class about Jesus. On a day like today, it’s a good time to do a little thinking about his teachings.

Funerary stele of Licinia Amias, one of the most ancient Christian inscriptions. Upper tier: dedication to the Dis Manibus and Christian motto in Greek letters ΙΧΘΥC ΖΩΝΤΩΝ / Ikhthus zōntōn ("fish of the living"); middle tier: depiction of fish and an anchor; lower tier: Latin inscription “LICINIAE AMIATI BE/NEMERENTI VIXIT”. Marble, early 3rd century CE. From the area of the Vatican necropolis, Rome.

We’ve shared some pretty exciting scenes that will be happening in book two but Zenobia is also receiving a great education while studying in Alexandria, Egypt. Her critical thinking classes helped her ask the right questions and to search for truth and knowledge.

At the time of the coming out of Christianity, the Middle East was the scene of great religious diversity. In Zenobia’s second semester of classes she takes “Deities and Demons” they discuss Jesus and his teachings. Zenobia keeps an open mind during her class discussions but a lot of it goes against her survival skills. Here are some sentences that took place during these class discussions.

Ch. 10 “Basically, a lot of humans are pretty cowardly. Whatever this Jesus of Nazareth was, a coward he definitely was not.”

Ch. 10 “Professor Anwar continued the thought. “An amazing thing to me is this: although many claimed that he healed all kinds of illness, he was never addressed as Healer. People called him Teacher! It was his teaching that has so impacted the world.”

Ch 12 “I have a question about that,” said Zenobia, breaking the spell. “Do you think that teaching is practical? I mean, if you love your enemies, won’t they just trample on you? In truth, isn’t that what happened to Jesus himself?”

Ch 15 “But that is simply not realistic,” Filemon countered. “We cannot wish the world into a state we would like to see. That’s why Zenobia carries a sword and learned archery. Jesus may have been idealistic, but he was not realistic!”

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Thinking Thursday –Critical Thinking and Ancient Egypt

On the documentary channel an interesting program called The Pyramid Code http://www.pyramidcode.com/ talks about the pyramids and what we can learn from Ancient Egypt. Dr. Carmen Boulter is the director, producer, and creator of this great program. Episode # 5 “A New Chronology” talks about how today in a test driven educational system and memorizing facts will not help our youth expand their knowledge. Instead we should teach them to seek truth and justice by living the Ancient law of Maat; which is the Ancient Egyptian concept of truth, balance, order, law, morality, and justice.

In Zenobia – Birth of a Legend, Zenobia’s mom takes her to Egypt for her to study and learn. Even though there isn’t strong evidence that Zenobia indeed took this trip we know she was highly educated and thirsted for truth and knowledge in her pursuit of justice. It only makes sense that she was taught the Ancient law of Maat.

Here’s an excerpt of one of Zenobia’s classes, Critical Thinking found in Chapter 34 of Zenobia – Birth of a Legend:

“Wrong thinking leads to wrong conclusions, which, in turn, lead to wrong actions,” began Longinus. “Correct thinking, obviously, will lead us to right actions, that is, successful actions. But, how are we to know when an idea is wrong? Or, worse, when a pattern of thinking is false? How can we discern between truth and falsehood? Is there a key?” He paused for effect and to allow his class to reflect on his questions.

His manner and presence commands attention, thought Zenobia…

“I believe the key to discovering truth is to want the truth. Then we will more likely ask the right questions and be open to the answers.”...replied Zenobia, “not everyone wants the truth, and I can prove it! This leads to huge injustices in the world. But I do agree with you that it is not so easy to discern the best questions.”

What is critical thinking? Zenobia even as a student understands that we need to be asking the right questions to get the right answers. Until you are ready for the truth you will not find it.

The New York Times has a challenge a day on Critical thinking. This is a great way to broaden your education like Zenobia did. Click on the link and let your critical thinking class begin. http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/30/new-feature-test-yourself-critical-thinking/

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Why should I read Zenobia?

To those who fight for justice will fall in love with the beautiful, brilliant Zenobia, a warrior queen who battles for freedom.

Zenobia will appeal to Young Adults who love to champion a strong and intelligent girl. Historians and lovers of ancient history will also find that Wallace did his diligence in researching this time and the story of Zenobia.

Even though Zenobia grew up in the 3rd century we can learn from her today that you don't have to just accept injustice, you can make a difference.

We hope that all who read her story will be inspired to stand up and take action against the unfairness of this world.

We all have hard decisions and paths to take, Zenobia's example will give you inspiration to overcome those things that are holding you back.

Zenobia was marked for death

Zenobia was a girl in a man's world

That didn't stop her as she proved she was valuable, used critical thinking, and set her sights as high as they could go.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

ZENOBIA and Critical Thinking

In the first book and continuing into book two of the Zenobia series, we experience education in the 3rd century as Zenobia travels to Alexandria, Egypt. One of the classes that she takes is Critical Thinking taught by Cassius Dionysius Longinus. Historically this may not have happened, but what we do know is Zenobia was very educated and spoke many languages. She also displayed the ability to use critical thinking as she became queen and challenged Rome for supremacy of the region.

What is Critical thinking?