Dr. Seuss wrote, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

What about you? Would you like to explore a different country or culture? Or maybe you’d like to travel back in time to the days of the gladiators of Rome, or to the very first Olympic spectacles in Greece, or spend a day within the walls of the Forbidden City of China during the Ming dynasty? Now is your chance! Simply go to your nearest library and pull out a book featuring the country, culture, and time period of your choice. (Note to parents: For information on where to find books for children online, see Children’s Books and Classics Online.)

Often biographies on the lives of missionaries capture great snapshots of the culture of that time. Some historical novels and other good works of fiction depict a country’s culture, and the manners and etiquette that are used there. Books are an excellent way to get a glimpse into the way the people of a place live and think.

After choosing and reading a book that features a culture and time period that you’re interested in, write (or type) up your answer to the question, “What have I learned about [put the name of the place/culture you were reading about here] culture?” Or draw a picture illustrating the tidbit you learned about the culture you read about. Don’t forget to list the book or article that you read, and send in your name and age. 

Happy reading and exploring!