Latin Novellas
Bombax Press publishes engaging Latin novellas for students at different levels in their Latin coursework. All stories are set within the Roman world or within its mythology. Teachers can use these novellas instructionally to supplement an established curriculum or as part of a Free Voluntary Reading program. Latin students or others who have studied the language may also enjoy these novellas for independent reading outside the classroom.
Sheltering Vocabulary in Latin Novellas
These Latin novellas follow the principle of sheltering the vocabulary, but not the grammar. This means that these novellas have lower unique word counts to help ensure that students are able to independently read the novellas. Vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension are intricately connected. Limiting the vocabulary helps to ensure that students can comprehend what they are reading.
In addition, the novellas rely on high frequency vocabulary as much as practicable based on the DCC Latin Core Vocabulary and Essential Latin Vocabulary. Using high frequency vocabulary can help ensure that students can read not only the novellas but other Latin literature that they will encounter in their coursework.
Latin Novellas Published by Bombax Press
For more information about each novella, including a breakdown of vocabulary and a description of the content, please click the title of each work.
Cupido et Psyche, 2019
- Psyche marries a husband whom she cannot see in a tale of love, secrecy, jealousy, betrayal, and loss.
- Level: Latin III/IV
- Total Word Count: 8,800
- Total Unique Words: 350
- Working Vocabulary: 253
Ira Veneris, 2019
- Venus exacts revenge as Psyche tries to reunite with her husband.
- Level: Latin III/IV
- Total Word Count: 11,000
- Total Unique Words: 334
- Working Vocabulary: 250
Medea et Peregrinus Pulcherrimus, 2020
- Medea meets the handsome traveler, Jason, and is torn between her love of him and her love of her family.
- Level: Latin III
- Total Word Count: 7,500
- Total Unique Words: 234
- Working Vocabulary: 160
Domini Secretum, 2020
- Aquilinus tries to buy his family from slavery as he learns his master’s dangerous secret.
- Level: Latin II/III
- Total Word Count: 8,000
- Total Unique Words: 222
- Working Vocabulary: 136
Ridiculi et Horribiles Dei et Deae, 2020
- A collection of short stories about the Roman gods and goddesses
- Level: Latin I/II
- Total Word Count: 4,900
- Total Unique Words: 237
- Working Vocabulary: 154
Pegasus et Bellerophon, 2020
- Pegasus meets Bellerophon and learns what it means to be and to have a true friend.
- Level: Latin I/II
- Total Word Count: 4,200
- Total Unique Words: 139
- Working Vocabulary: 105
Mostellaria, 2020
- An adaptation of Plautus’ play Mostellaria.
- Level: Latin III/IV
- Total Word Count: 9,000
- Total Unique Words: 237
- Working Vocabulary: 171
Cerberus Canis Monstruosus, 2020.
- Cerberus doesn’t want to be a monster; he wants to be a dog.
- Level: Latin II
- Total Word Count: 5,200
- Total Unique Words: 160
- Working Vocabulary: 113
Virgo Ardens, 2021.
- Iphis hides her secret that she is a young woman, not a young man, from everyone except her mother.
- Level: Latin IV
- Total Word Count: 16,500
- Total Unique Words: 433
- Working Vocabulary: 318
Erucula: Fabula Metamorphosis, 2021.
- A proud little caterpillar introduces the reader to metamorphosis and its friend Maria Sibylla Merian.
- Level: Latin 1/2
- Total Word Count: 1,750
- Total Unique Words: 186
- Working Vocabulary: 118
Atrox Caedes, 2021.
- Merula searches for her missing sister on the day of the gladiator riot in Pompeii.
- Level: Latin 2/3
- Total Word Count: 6,900
- Total Unique Words: 239
- Working Vocabulary: 170
Astronomia, Fabula Planetarum, 2022.
Read about the solar system and the Roman god and goddesses who are their namesakes.
- Level: Latin 1/2
- Total Word Count: 3,200
- Total Unique Words: 308
- Working Vocabulary: 133
Polypus Fur, 2022
A feisty octopus steals pickled fish from a guard who longs to be a cook.
- Level: Latin 1/2
- Total Word Count: 6,400
- Total Unique Words: 166
- Working Vocabulary: 103
Atalanta Heroina, 2023
Atalanta overcomes being abandoned at birth to become a renowned huntress, warrior, and runner.
- Level: Latin 1/2
- Total Word Count: 3,800
- Total Unique Words: 146
- Working Vocabulary: 93
Celeris Pede, 2023
Atalanta rages against the confines of the cage her father has placed her in, while Hippomenes feels an instant attraction to the famed huntress who comes to hunt the Calydonian boar. A story told in alternate perspectives and timelines.
- Level: Latin 4+
- Total Word Count: 22,500
- Total Unique Words: 807
- Working Vocabulary: 525