History Quest: Early Times

History Quest: Early Times

Pages: 516

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.

Perfect for elementary-age children or as a journey of exciting adventures to be shared during family story time, the main text 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, 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 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.

Recommended Grades: 1–6+

Students in these grades can use the chapter book as their primary history spine, either as a read-aloud or for independent reading.

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 in that chapter.

These engaging narratives help bring history to life, giving students a vivid sense of what it was like to live in different eras.

Below are a few of the adventures you’ll find in the Early Times History Hops section:

Share in a campfire breakfast with a Paleolithic family.

Enjoy teatime with the legendary Silk Mother, Empress Leizu (lay-ZOO) in Ancient China.

Chat with “Simon the Shoemaker” and Socrates at the Agora in Athens.