It may have been an honor to be a Mayan soothsayer's apprentice, but it wasn't always fun.

This interactive series will enthrall young and reluctant readers (Ages 8-12) by making them part of the story, inviting them to become the main character. Each book uses humorous illustrations to depict the sometimes dark and horrific side of life during important eras in history.

In addition to studying, you'd have to do all kinds of unpleasant jobs - like taste unappetizing food, pierce holes in royal tongues, and preside over human sacrifices.