Ancient Egypt Speaks to Kids Today

My guest today is Chris Eboch, author of over 40 book for young people. Read about her newest release, The Eyes of the Pharaoh.

In my experience, kids – and teachers – love ancient Egypt. It’s long ago and far away, and yet somehow the personalities shine through the millennia and resonate with us today. A love poem from a young woman says, “My heart thought of my love of you when half of my hair was braided. I came at a run to find you and neglected my hairdo.” (What Life Was like on the Banks of the Nile, Time Life Books, page 36.)
 
These windows into the past show us that the human soul has been much the same for 5000 years. I’ve tried to bring the world and people of ancient Egypt to life in my novel for young people, The Eyes of Pharaoh:
 
When Reya hints that Egypt is in danger from foreign nomads, Seshta and Horus don’t take him seriously. How could anyone challenge Egypt? Then Reya disappears. To save their friend, Seshta and Horus spy on merchants, soldiers, and royalty, and start to suspect even The Eyes of Pharaoh, the powerful head of the secret police. Will Seshta and Horus escape the traps set for them, rescue Reya, and stop the plot against Egypt in time?”
 
The Eyes of Pharaoh is ideal for use in elementary and middle school classrooms or by homeschooling students studying ancient Egypt.
 
Suzanne Borchers says, “I teach a gifted class of fourth and fifth graders. Using this historical fiction is a window into Ancient Egypt – its people, culture, and beliefs. My class enjoyed doing research on Egyptian gods and goddesses, and hieroglyphs. Projects extended their knowledge of this fascinating time and place. I also highly recommend it for its fast paced plot, interesting and ‘real’ characters, and excellent writing.”
 
To help teachers and homeschooling parents, extensive Lesson Plans provide material aligned to the Common Core State Standards. You’ll find discussion questions, persuasive letter and speech projects, journal questions, art projects, and a crossword puzzle.
 
The Eyes of Pharaoh is available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book. It can be ordered from Amazon or other distributors.
 
A Readers’ Favorite review said, “I found the book fascinating for many reasons…. The twists and turns in the plot make it a compelling read. The setting of the story shows the extensive research the author must have done to make it enjoyable to readers. The mystery that runs through the plot is intriguing and the images are vivid. The author does an excellent job by bringing ancient Egypt to life through this story and giving readers a lot of information about the beliefs that existed in society during that period, as well as the culture and history.”
 
I hope many young people will experience the splendor of ancient Egypt through my book, while understanding the messages that still resonate today.

---

​ 
Chris Eboch is the author of more than 40 books for young people, including The Well of Sacrifice. This historical drama set in ninth-century Mayan Guatemala is used in many schools as supplemental fiction when students learn about the Maya. Kirkus Reviews said, “The novel shines not only for a faithful recreation of an unfamiliar, ancient world, but also for the introduction of a brave, likable and determined heroine.”
 
The Eyes of Pharaoh is sure to reach readers in the same way. Ms. Eboch’s other titles include The Genie’s Gift, a middle eastern fantasy; the Haunted series, about kids who travel with a ghost hunter TV show; the fictionalized biographies Jesse Owens: Young Record Breaker and Milton Hershey: Young Chocolatier (part of Simon & Schuster’s Childhood of Famous Americans series); and many nonfiction titles.

---