Why Are You Calling Me Barbarian?

It is the 3rd century BC, and as the Roman imperial army travels north followed by a caravan of families, slaves, and livestock, two kids meet at an encampment near Cologne, in today's Germany. Martilla, a young Roman slave girl, and Marbord, the son of a merchant from Scandia, strike an unlikely friendship. As they learn about each other's customs, lifestyles, and lands they discover that calling someone a "barbarian" is strictly a matter of ignorance.
This timely lesson in tolerance—set centuries ago in Europe—shows children how people of different cultures can overcome stereotypes to become friends. The book's quaint illustrations show children the daily life of early Europeans, and a section on the history of Roman and Scandian slavery offers age-appropriate insights on the subject. Also included is a glossary of Germanic and Roman terms and proper names.