Have you ever wondered how you would cope with living in the ancient past? With no modern conveniences, weird food and even stranger rituals? That’s exactly the situation regular Aussie boy Perry finds himself dealing with in The Boy Who Stepped Through Time. When Perry and his family travel to France he’s excited to explore the ruins of an ancient villa but shocked to find that he has suddenly stepped through time to the age of the Roman Empire.

Perry is mistaken for a slave boy at Villa Rubia and has to quickly adapt to the strange environment. With the help of his new friends, a fellow slave boy and the master’s daughter, fun-loving Valentia, Perry learns to embrace his new life. In between learning to make wine, celebrating Saturnalia and getting up to mischief, Perry attempts to return to his own time. But there’s one problem – he discovers Valentia is in danger. Can Perry change the course of history and find his way back home?

Anna Ciddor has vividly brought the Roman era to life with authentic historical flourishes. The Boy Who Stepped Through Time is a sweet, funny romp perfect for history buffs ages 8+.

Daniella Robertson is a children’s and YA specialist at Readings Malvern.