See You Later, Gladiator (Time Warp Trio) - Softcover

"Gratias tibi ago quia me gladio tuo non fodisti." That's "thank you for not poking me with your sword," a useful phrase for the hapless time-traveling trio, Sam, Fred, and Joe, when they find themselves flunking out of gladiator school in ancient Rome.

While wrestling in Joe's bedroom after school one day, the three accidentally bump into a bookshelf, on top of which is The Book, a magical blue tome with strange silver symbols. As the boys know only too well from previous time wanderings (Summer Reading Is Killing Me, Tut Tut, Knights of the Kitchen Table, etc.), once that hazy green mist starts swirling around them, they're in for another adventure. And what an adventure this one is! From one of the most incredible food-fight scenes in literature, to a two-on-one (two giant hairy gladiators against one puny time warper) test of strength, to a romp through the forbidden Temple of Vesta, our three bumbling heroes--and chortling young readers--get a taste of ancient Rome. Perfectly juvenile humor, suspense, and some quick thinking by the boys makes every title in the Time Warp Trio series a thoroughly satisfying read. (Ages 7 to 11) --Emilie Coulter

Multiple award-winning author Jon Scieszka grew up in Flint, Michigan, the second oldest and the nicest of six boys. Jon went to school at Culver Military Academy in Indiana where he was a Lieutenant; Albion College in Michigan where he studied to be a doctor; and Columbia University in New York, where he received an M.F.A. in fiction. He taught elementary school in New York for ten years in a variety of positions. He is the author of many books for children including the New York Times Best Illustrated Book The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales (illustrated by Lane Smith), the Caldecott Honor book The True Story of the Three Little Pigs (illustrated by Lane Smith), and Math Curse (illustrated by Lane Smith).  In addition to his work as an author, Jon also runs a web-based literacy program called Guys Read” that is designed to encourage boys, particularly reluctant readers, to get involved with books. In 2008, Jon was named the country’s first National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, a joint effort of the Library of Congress and the Children’s Book Council. During his two-year role as Ambassador, he acted as a spokesperson for children’s literature, speaking to groups of parents, teachers, and children to encourage the importance of reading. You can visit Jon online at www.jsworldwide.com.