We recently used Archimedes as a read-aloud for three boys, ages 11-14, and are now reading her book on Galen. We’ve found both to be chock full of information, but still lively and interesting enough to be considered a living book. A good test I’ve found is whether the children can give a narration – things that are too text-booky do not lend themselves. They’ve been able to recount many things from these stories, including lots of interesting tidbits about life in Greece or Rome, as told through the story.
My boys have found each to be fascinating, and I’ve learned a good deal from them as well (and I was an English major and don’t generally love the scientific stuff!).
