{"id":5679960519,"title":"The Golden Bull","handle":"the-golden-bull","description":"\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan size=\"4\" style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003eThe Golden Bull\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan size=\"3\" style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eA Mesopotamian Adventure\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/marjorie-cowley\" title=\"Marjorie Cowley\"\u003eMarjorie Cowley\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA brother and sister's search for a new life and new home . . .\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia during a terrible drought, Jomar and Zefa's father must send his children away to the city of Ur because he can no longer feed them. At fourteen, Jomar is old enough to apprentice with Sidah, a master goldsmith for the temple of the moongod, but there is no place for Zefa in Sidah's household. Zefa, a talented but untrained musician, is forced to play her music and sing for alms on the streets of Ur.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarjorie Cowley vividly imagines the intrigues, and harsh struggle for survival in ancient Mesopotamia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/the-importance-of-wings\" title=\"The Importance of Wings\"\u003eThe Importance of Wings\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/rickshaw-girl\" title=\"Rickshaw Girl\"\u003eRickshaw Girl\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/flying-the-dragon\" title=\"Flying the Dragon\"\u003eFlying the Dragon\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/prisoner-88\" title=\"Prisoner 88\"\u003ePrisoner 88\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/golden-bull-paperback-cvr.jpg?10271916878373016077\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/golden-bull-excerpt.pdf?10271916878373016077\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload an Excerpt\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarjorie Cowley, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarjorie Cowley was trained at the Fowler Museum of Cultural History at the University of California, Los Angeles, and taught prehistoric history to students from first grade through high school. In this capacity she was designated a professional expert by the Los Angeles Unified School District.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/marjorie-cowley\" title=\"Marjorie Cowley\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Marjorie.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDispatched from their drought-stricken farm to make their way as best they can in the ancient city of Ur, grumpy teenager Jomar and his tempestuous little sister Zefa spend at least as much energy quarreling as they do fretting about finding work while staying out of the clutches of Malak, a malicious official of the prosperous temple of the moongod. By the end, Jomar has proven himself an apt apprentice to a kindly goldsmith, and Zefa has parlayed a natural talent with the lyre into a position as a Temple musician--but more importantly, each has earned the other's respect. Along with glimpses of ancient goldsmithing techniques, Cowley tucks healthy measures of cultural and historical detail into her uncomplicated Mesopotamian tale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe drought in the Mesopotamian countryside is so dire that Jomar and his sister, Zefa, a gifted lyre player, are being sent away to Ur, where Jomar will apprentice to a goldsmith. En route, the children fall into the hands of a ruthless temple official, Malak, who gathers them up for his work crew patrolling the rural irrigation system. After a bold escape, they live in fear of Malak recapturing them in Ur. Goldsmith Sidah and his less-than-welcoming wife, Nari, are willing to shelter Jomar, but balk at the unexpected Zefa, who eventually slips away and joins a street troupe. Pulsing action, suspenseful dilemmas, and well-chosen details of goldsmithing and Mesopotamian justice add up to a fine tale that entertains as it reveals the sophistication of society in the cradle of civilization. By the author of \u003ci\u003eDar and the Spear-Thrower\u003c\/i\u003e and its sequel, \u003ci\u003eAnnoka's Answer\u003c\/i\u003e, this story's setting in ancient Iraq may be a special draw for children curious about this in-the-news country and its culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLibrary Media Connection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Golden Bull\u003c\/i\u003e takes readers to ancient Mesopotamia where the country is suffering through a drought Jomar and Zefa's father has to send them to the city of Ur where Jomar will be an apprentice to Sidah, a master goldsmith for the temple of the moon god. The homemade lyre that Zefa insisted on bringing helps them out along the way. They are kidnapped on their journey and Zefa is made a slave. After Qat-nu the slave helps them escape, they continue to Ur where Zefa is accused of stealing a bead that goes in the temple lyre. She runs away to join a band of street musicians. The slave master finds Jomar and wants Zefa back. However, the river will decide Zefa's innocence or guilt. Because Jomar has been put in charge of her care, he feels guilty. Can he save her? This is a mystery that unravels as the story proceeds, and you will not want to put it down. It has a satisfying conclusion for all involved, except the slave master. \u003ci\u003eThe Golden Bull\u003c\/i\u003e has a great cast of characters and would be a wonderful addition to your collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJomar, 14, and his younger sister have been forced to go to the city of Ur to bring income to their poverty-stricken family. Jomar will be an apprentice to a goldsmith, but Zefa has little talent for anything other than playing the lyre that her brother has made for her. He considers the instrument a toy and a burden, but Zefa's talent charms the siblings' way out of one dangerous situation after another. When they finally reach their destination, Jomar is warmly greeted, but Zefa is accused of stealing and runs away. It is not until Jomar begs the help of a high priestess that he is able to clear the girl's name and entice her to play the honored temple lyre. This well-researched historical drama opens readers' eyes to the perils of starving farmers in ancient Mesopotamia. The simple story line, colorful descriptions, and endearing characters result in an entertaining tale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/golden-bull-paperback-cvr.jpg?10271916878373016077\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/golden-bull-paperback-hires.zip?10271916878373016077\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/golden-bull-discussion-guide.pdf?10271916878373016077\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Discussion Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaperback\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 9781580891820\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 9781607345275 EPUB\u003cbr\u003e ISBN: 9781607342533 PDF\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 10 and up\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 216\u003cbr\u003e5 \u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e x 8 \u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e4\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","published_at":"2016-03-18T15:46:00-04:00","created_at":"2016-03-18T13:13:45-04:00","vendor":"Charlesbridge","type":"Children's Book","tags":["Browse by Age_Middle Grade","Browse by Fiction\/Nonfiction_Fiction","Browse by Format_Chapter Book","Browse by Format_Early Reader","Browse by Language_English","Browse by Subject_Diversity","Browse by Subject_History \u0026 Biography","Browse by Subject_Social Studies\/Cultures"],"price":895,"price_min":895,"price_max":895,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":17959243719,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"91820","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":13630837620815,"product_id":5679960519,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-11-20T15:03:17-05:00","updated_at":"2020-04-13T15:03:07-04:00","alt":"The Golden Bull book cover","width":600,"height":900,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/golden-bull-paperback-cover.jpg?v=1586804587","variant_ids":[17959243719]},"available":true,"name":"The Golden Bull - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":895,"weight":193,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":27,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"9781580891820","featured_media":{"alt":"The Golden Bull book cover","id":5803764875343,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.667,"height":900,"width":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/golden-bull-paperback-cover.jpg?v=1586804587"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/golden-bull-paperback-cover.jpg?v=1586804587"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/golden-bull-paperback-cover.jpg?v=1586804587","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":"The Golden Bull book cover","id":5803764875343,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.667,"height":900,"width":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/golden-bull-paperback-cover.jpg?v=1586804587"},"aspect_ratio":0.667,"height":900,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/golden-bull-paperback-cover.jpg?v=1586804587","width":600}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan size=\"4\" style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003eThe Golden Bull\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan size=\"3\" style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eA Mesopotamian Adventure\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/marjorie-cowley\" title=\"Marjorie Cowley\"\u003eMarjorie Cowley\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA brother and sister's search for a new life and new home . . .\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia during a terrible drought, Jomar and Zefa's father must send his children away to the city of Ur because he can no longer feed them. At fourteen, Jomar is old enough to apprentice with Sidah, a master goldsmith for the temple of the moongod, but there is no place for Zefa in Sidah's household. Zefa, a talented but untrained musician, is forced to play her music and sing for alms on the streets of Ur.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarjorie Cowley vividly imagines the intrigues, and harsh struggle for survival in ancient Mesopotamia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/the-importance-of-wings\" title=\"The Importance of Wings\"\u003eThe Importance of Wings\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/rickshaw-girl\" title=\"Rickshaw Girl\"\u003eRickshaw Girl\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/flying-the-dragon\" title=\"Flying the Dragon\"\u003eFlying the Dragon\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/prisoner-88\" title=\"Prisoner 88\"\u003ePrisoner 88\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/golden-bull-paperback-cvr.jpg?10271916878373016077\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/golden-bull-excerpt.pdf?10271916878373016077\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload an Excerpt\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarjorie Cowley, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarjorie Cowley was trained at the Fowler Museum of Cultural History at the University of California, Los Angeles, and taught prehistoric history to students from first grade through high school. In this capacity she was designated a professional expert by the Los Angeles Unified School District.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/marjorie-cowley\" title=\"Marjorie Cowley\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Marjorie.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDispatched from their drought-stricken farm to make their way as best they can in the ancient city of Ur, grumpy teenager Jomar and his tempestuous little sister Zefa spend at least as much energy quarreling as they do fretting about finding work while staying out of the clutches of Malak, a malicious official of the prosperous temple of the moongod. By the end, Jomar has proven himself an apt apprentice to a kindly goldsmith, and Zefa has parlayed a natural talent with the lyre into a position as a Temple musician--but more importantly, each has earned the other's respect. Along with glimpses of ancient goldsmithing techniques, Cowley tucks healthy measures of cultural and historical detail into her uncomplicated Mesopotamian tale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe drought in the Mesopotamian countryside is so dire that Jomar and his sister, Zefa, a gifted lyre player, are being sent away to Ur, where Jomar will apprentice to a goldsmith. En route, the children fall into the hands of a ruthless temple official, Malak, who gathers them up for his work crew patrolling the rural irrigation system. After a bold escape, they live in fear of Malak recapturing them in Ur. Goldsmith Sidah and his less-than-welcoming wife, Nari, are willing to shelter Jomar, but balk at the unexpected Zefa, who eventually slips away and joins a street troupe. Pulsing action, suspenseful dilemmas, and well-chosen details of goldsmithing and Mesopotamian justice add up to a fine tale that entertains as it reveals the sophistication of society in the cradle of civilization. By the author of \u003ci\u003eDar and the Spear-Thrower\u003c\/i\u003e and its sequel, \u003ci\u003eAnnoka's Answer\u003c\/i\u003e, this story's setting in ancient Iraq may be a special draw for children curious about this in-the-news country and its culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLibrary Media Connection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Golden Bull\u003c\/i\u003e takes readers to ancient Mesopotamia where the country is suffering through a drought Jomar and Zefa's father has to send them to the city of Ur where Jomar will be an apprentice to Sidah, a master goldsmith for the temple of the moon god. The homemade lyre that Zefa insisted on bringing helps them out along the way. They are kidnapped on their journey and Zefa is made a slave. After Qat-nu the slave helps them escape, they continue to Ur where Zefa is accused of stealing a bead that goes in the temple lyre. She runs away to join a band of street musicians. The slave master finds Jomar and wants Zefa back. However, the river will decide Zefa's innocence or guilt. Because Jomar has been put in charge of her care, he feels guilty. Can he save her? This is a mystery that unravels as the story proceeds, and you will not want to put it down. It has a satisfying conclusion for all involved, except the slave master. \u003ci\u003eThe Golden Bull\u003c\/i\u003e has a great cast of characters and would be a wonderful addition to your collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJomar, 14, and his younger sister have been forced to go to the city of Ur to bring income to their poverty-stricken family. Jomar will be an apprentice to a goldsmith, but Zefa has little talent for anything other than playing the lyre that her brother has made for her. He considers the instrument a toy and a burden, but Zefa's talent charms the siblings' way out of one dangerous situation after another. When they finally reach their destination, Jomar is warmly greeted, but Zefa is accused of stealing and runs away. It is not until Jomar begs the help of a high priestess that he is able to clear the girl's name and entice her to play the honored temple lyre. This well-researched historical drama opens readers' eyes to the perils of starving farmers in ancient Mesopotamia. The simple story line, colorful descriptions, and endearing characters result in an entertaining tale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/golden-bull-paperback-cvr.jpg?10271916878373016077\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/golden-bull-paperback-hires.zip?10271916878373016077\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/golden-bull-discussion-guide.pdf?10271916878373016077\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Discussion Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaperback\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 9781580891820\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 9781607345275 EPUB\u003cbr\u003e ISBN: 9781607342533 PDF\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 10 and up\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 216\u003cbr\u003e5 \u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e x 8 \u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e4\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]"}

The Golden Bull

The Golden Bull
A Mesopotamian Adventure

By: Marjorie Cowley

A brother and sister's search for a new life and new home . . .

5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia during a terrible drought, Jomar and Zefa's father must send his children away to the city of Ur because he can no longer feed them. At fourteen, Jomar is old enough to apprentice with Sidah, a master goldsmith for the temple of the moongod, but there is no place for Zefa in Sidah's household. Zefa, a talented but untrained musician, is forced to play her music and sing for alms on the streets of Ur.

Marjorie Cowley vividly imagines the intrigues, and harsh struggle for survival in ancient Mesopotamia.

Maximum quantity available reached.

Marjorie Cowley, author

Marjorie Cowley was trained at the Fowler Museum of Cultural History at the University of California, Los Angeles, and taught prehistoric history to students from first grade through high school. In this capacity she was designated a professional expert by the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Read more about Marjorie.

  • Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year

Kirkus Reviews

Dispatched from their drought-stricken farm to make their way as best they can in the ancient city of Ur, grumpy teenager Jomar and his tempestuous little sister Zefa spend at least as much energy quarreling as they do fretting about finding work while staying out of the clutches of Malak, a malicious official of the prosperous temple of the moongod. By the end, Jomar has proven himself an apt apprentice to a kindly goldsmith, and Zefa has parlayed a natural talent with the lyre into a position as a Temple musician--but more importantly, each has earned the other's respect. Along with glimpses of ancient goldsmithing techniques, Cowley tucks healthy measures of cultural and historical detail into her uncomplicated Mesopotamian tale.

Booklist

The drought in the Mesopotamian countryside is so dire that Jomar and his sister, Zefa, a gifted lyre player, are being sent away to Ur, where Jomar will apprentice to a goldsmith. En route, the children fall into the hands of a ruthless temple official, Malak, who gathers them up for his work crew patrolling the rural irrigation system. After a bold escape, they live in fear of Malak recapturing them in Ur. Goldsmith Sidah and his less-than-welcoming wife, Nari, are willing to shelter Jomar, but balk at the unexpected Zefa, who eventually slips away and joins a street troupe. Pulsing action, suspenseful dilemmas, and well-chosen details of goldsmithing and Mesopotamian justice add up to a fine tale that entertains as it reveals the sophistication of society in the cradle of civilization. By the author of Dar and the Spear-Thrower and its sequel, Annoka's Answer, this story's setting in ancient Iraq may be a special draw for children curious about this in-the-news country and its culture.

Library Media Connection

The Golden Bull takes readers to ancient Mesopotamia where the country is suffering through a drought Jomar and Zefa's father has to send them to the city of Ur where Jomar will be an apprentice to Sidah, a master goldsmith for the temple of the moon god. The homemade lyre that Zefa insisted on bringing helps them out along the way. They are kidnapped on their journey and Zefa is made a slave. After Qat-nu the slave helps them escape, they continue to Ur where Zefa is accused of stealing a bead that goes in the temple lyre. She runs away to join a band of street musicians. The slave master finds Jomar and wants Zefa back. However, the river will decide Zefa's innocence or guilt. Because Jomar has been put in charge of her care, he feels guilty. Can he save her? This is a mystery that unravels as the story proceeds, and you will not want to put it down. It has a satisfying conclusion for all involved, except the slave master. The Golden Bull has a great cast of characters and would be a wonderful addition to your collection.

School Library Journal

Jomar, 14, and his younger sister have been forced to go to the city of Ur to bring income to their poverty-stricken family. Jomar will be an apprentice to a goldsmith, but Zefa has little talent for anything other than playing the lyre that her brother has made for her. He considers the instrument a toy and a burden, but Zefa's talent charms the siblings' way out of one dangerous situation after another. When they finally reach their destination, Jomar is warmly greeted, but Zefa is accused of stealing and runs away. It is not until Jomar begs the help of a high priestess that he is able to clear the girl's name and entice her to play the honored temple lyre. This well-researched historical drama opens readers' eyes to the perils of starving farmers in ancient Mesopotamia. The simple story line, colorful descriptions, and endearing characters result in an entertaining tale.

Paperback
ISBN: 9781580891820

E-book
ISBN: 9781607345275 EPUB
ISBN: 9781607342533 PDF

Ages: 10 and up
Page count: 216
5 1/2 x 8 1/4