Through rich and exciting narrative, special History Hop! sections, and hand-drawn illustrations, History Quest: Early Times chapter book takes you on a journey into the past to experience the rise and fall of ancient civilizations and empires.
Grade level: 1st through 4th grade as a read-aloud; 5th grade+ as an independent read
Book type: Narrative history chapter book with hand-drawn black and white illustrations and maps
Author: Lisa Hawkins
What is History Quest: Early Times?
History Quest: Early Times is a secular homeschool history chapter book focusing on the years between the Paleolithic period through the 8th century CE. Because it is secular, the text presents religious beliefs from that period not as factual accounts, but as relevant sources and perspectives to be considered through a historical lens.
Through rich and exciting narrative, special History Hop! sections, and hand-drawn illustrations, our History Quest: Early Times chapter book takes you on a journey into the past to experience the rise and fall of ancient civilizations and empires. You’ll visit faraway places to meet and learn from the stories of everyday folks, famous world leaders, and even a few mythological characters.
Designed as a read-aloud for elementary-age children, an independent read for older students, or a journey of exciting adventures to be shared during family story time, this main text of the History Quest: Early Times curriculum presents an immersive study of history in an engaging and memorable format.
Used alongside the History Quest: Early Times Study Guide and other recommended resources, your students will gain a deep understanding of the ideas, events, and individuals that shaped early civilizations in the ancient world and take their first step in a life-long quest to explore and appreciate history.
What Material Does History Quest: Early Times Cover?
Students will learn about events that occurred from the pre-historic Paleolithic period to approximately 700 CE. Major areas of study include:
Paleolithic and Neolithic Times
Earliest Civilizations
Ancient Egypt
The Andes Mountain Civilizations
Mesoamerica
Babylon, Assyria, and Persia
The Hebrews and Phoenicians
Ancient Greece
India
The Roman Empire
Ancient China
Arabia and the Rise of the Islamic Empire
Who Can Use History Quest: Early Times?
History Quest: Early Times is appropriate for elementary-aged children learning at home or in co-ops, learning pods, micro-schools, or charter schools. First through fifth graders can use the chapter book as their primary history spine, either as a read aloud or by reading independently.
What are History Hops?
At the end of each chapter, you will find a History Hop! section that takes the reader on an imaginary journey back in time to visit historical characters and places introduced during that chapter.
Below are a few of the adventures you’ll find in Early Times History Hops:
Paleolithic Times
Share in a campfire breakfast with a Paleolithic family.
Ancient China
Enjoy teatime with the legendary Silk Mother, Empress Leizu (lay-ZOO).
Classical Greece
Chat with “Simon the Shoemaker” and Socrates at the Agora in Athens.