About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with anxiety about the natural world or when they show a budding interest in how ancient people survived overwhelming odds. While centered on a famous historical disaster, the story focuses heavily on the emotional internal world of young Claudia as she navigates intuition, social pressures, and the looming sense of a changing environment. It provides a safe, fictionalized container for children to explore themes of resilience and the human capacity to face the unknown. Set in AD 78, the narrative follows Claudia through the bustling streets of Pompeii as she observes unsettling portents that others ignore. It is an excellent choice for children aged 8 to 12 who enjoy historical fiction but need a character-driven entry point. The book balances the tension of history with a relatable coming-of-age perspective, helping readers process feelings of worry by seeing them mirrored in a historical context where those instincts ultimately serve as a survival tool.
