Latin novellas

I've been reviewing some of the more recently-issued Latin novellas. A list can be found below.

The idea is that for a student to develop reading fluency, they should receive as much input in the target language as possible.

Because there are no easy Latin original authors to read at the beginners' level, modern authors have composed easy readers to get them started. Typically, these booklets or novellas are short (achievable), heavily illustrated (think dual-coding), have interesting or familiar subject material (engaging and motivational), provide repetitive vocabulary to maximise retrieval and often vocabulary lists in all forms to assist comprehension.

The point is that the novellas are not tests of language, but providers of meaningful language in a story at the level and interest of the learner.

I have heard that some US states have required the provision of original authors for testing and assessment at this stage. Such a request is ludicrous - but the novella could provide a substitute.

Articles about Latin novellas:

Cooper M. (2023). To Read or Not to Read: Trialling an Extensive Reading Program in a Year 10 Latin Classroom. Journal of Classics Teaching. 2023;24(47):44-51.

Hunt S. (2022). Novellas and Free Voluntary Reading: an overview and some starting points for further research into practice. Journal of Classics Teaching. 2022;23(46):176-183.

Olimpi A. (2019). legere discitur legendo: extensive reading in the Latin classroom. Journal of Classics Teaching. 2019;20(39):83-89.

Patrick M. (2019). Free Voluntary Reading and Comprehensible Input. Journal of Classics Teaching. 2019;20(39):78-82.

Piantaggini L. (2019). Input-Based Activities. Journal of Classics Teaching. 2019;20(39):51-56.

Ramsby, T. (2022). The Utility and Representational Opportunity of Latin Novellas. The New England Classical Journal. 49 (1). 101-111.

Reviews of novellas:

Brewer A. (2026). Atalanta Heroina (R.B.) Cunning. Journal of Classics Teaching. 2026;27(53):92-93.

Brewer A. (2026). Celeris Pede. A Latin Novella (R.B.) Cunning . Journal of Classics Teaching. 2026;27(54):205-206.

Goddard C. (2020). Pugio Bruti (D) Petterson and (A) Rosengren. Journal of Classics Teaching. 2020;21(41):107-107.

Hindocha S. (2023). Astronomia: Fabula Planetarum (R.B.) Cunning. Journal of Classics Teaching. 2023;24(48):177-177.

Hunt S. (2025). Quintus et insula horrifica; Sitne amor?; Piso senex et sempermutabilisyllabi (L.) Piataggini. Journal of Classics Teaching. Published online 2025:1-2

Hunt S. (2023). Margarita Murilegus; Margarita et feles Graeca; Poppaea et caper fugitivus. (M.) Cooper. Journal of Classics Teaching.

Hunt S. (2026). Ad Orcum M. Dybicz and N. Ertl . Journal of Classics Teaching. 2026;27(54):220-220.

Hunt S. (2026). De Tribus Porculis R. Williams. Journal of Classics Teaching. 2026;27(54):220-221.

Hunt S. (2026). Celerius (H.) Long. Journal of Classics Teaching. 2026;27(54):221-222.

Hunt S. (2026). Ursus nomine Vinnius (A.) Olimpi. Journal of Classics Teaching. Published online 2026:1-1.

Letchford, C. (2023). Poenica purpuraria. A Latin Novella (L.) Piantaggini. Journal of Classics Teaching. 2023;24(47):106-107.