Bethlehem Books – Beyond the Desert Gate (Hylas Series, Vol. 2)

Beyond the Desert Gate (Hylas Series, Vol. 2) — a 2nd revised edition historical novel from Bethlehem Books. Set in 1st-century A.D. Palestine during Jewish revolts against Roman rule, the story follows a merchant family from Philadelphia, the rescue of a desert survivor, and the search for identity amid political and social upheaval. Sequel to The Ides of April.

• Format: Paperback
• Publisher: Bethlehem Books
• Publication date: February 1, 2001 (2nd Revised edition)
• Language: English
• Pages: 190
• ISBN: ISBN10 188393754X • ISBN13 978-1883937546
• Series: Hylas Series, Volume 2 (sequel to The Ides of April)
• Dimensions & weight: 6 x 0.5 x 8.5 in; 9.6 oz

Why readers use this book

This novel provides a narrative lens on everyday life, trade, and social tensions in the ancient Mediterranean. It supports close reading of character motives and historical setting, and prompts discussion of identity, cultural interaction, and the effects of conflict on civilians.

Homeschool use

• Use as supplemental history reading: Pair with lessons on Roman rule, the Decapolis, or Jewish-Roman relations to provide a human-centered perspective.
• Skill building: Reading comprehension, vocabulary in historical context, narrative analysis, and short analytical writing or discussion prompts.
• Suggested activities: character maps, timeline creation, compare/contrast with primary-source summaries of 1st-century Palestine, and short essays on motive and perspective.

Facts above are drawn from publisher details and the book's bibliographic information.