While this children's book does have a great historical fiction, it is backed by the author's/ archaeologist's modern day discoveries. She weaves archaeology and history together to make a wonderfully detailed fictional account of the last day under the shadow of Vesuvius. If you didn't have any interest in this tad bit of history, you might after reading this short children's book. As an adult I even injoyed it!
This is like two books in one. You get a historical fiction story that presents the events of the eruption of Vesuvius that fateful day in AD 79. Color photographs of excavation sites in Pompeii and Herculaneum and artifacts uncovered are throughout the book. You also get a great description of a day in the life of an archaeologist who is carefully studying the remains of the person that the first story is about. Excellent resource when studying volcanoes and Pompeii.
Wonderfully detailed book that investigates the ruins of the city of Pompeii as well as giving the reader a day in the life vignette of one of the residents. Excellent writing, wonderfully illustrated and informative.