Intern: Walter, Age 10 - History Ambassador
The book Charlemagne is a story on the life of the great King Charlemagne, son of King Pepin the Short. I liked this book because I didn’t know much about Charlemagne, and this book gave me a lot of information about him.
I learned that his father wasn't born the son of a King, which at that time was the typical pattern of royalty. King Pepin the Short was one of the leading men of the country, and because the reigning King was not very powerful, the government voted Pepin in as their King. After he died, Charlemagne became King.
Charlemagne did many important things for France. For example, he started the first free public schools in France. He expanded the Kingdom and also came to the rescue of Pope Leo III when his enemies threatened the Vatican. The Pope then named Charlemagne Holy Roman Emperor.
This book also shows that everyone, even great rulers, can make mistakes. Charlemagne wasn't very kind to his eldest son because he was a hunchback. In the end, Charlemagne realized his attitude toward his son was wrong and became kinder to him.
A parent might want to know that Saxon gods are talked about in this book. This story is appropriate for 8-13-year-olds who would like to learn about the great Emperor Charlemagne.