Books in How to be a series

Are your estates in order? Can you recite poetry, or sing, or play a lute? Have you had your hair cut, squire? Are you sitting comfortably in all that armor? Will you perform your duties with honor and chivalry? Are you really worthy of pursuing your destiny as a knight of olde, among the elite of medieval society in status and wealth? You know you are! So arise, Sir Reader, and go forth and nobly answer your calling.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Can you handle a horse? Are you skillful with a bow? Are you brave in the face of danger? Will you wear this smelly, lice-infested armor with dignity? Have you truly earned the respect and honor shown to the samurai? Are you of honorable lineage? Will you show absolute loyalty to your lord? Do you understand that dishonor will bring death—by that same sword that you must sleep beside every night of your life? Are you ready to rise in rank?National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Athletes Needed—apply at your local gymnasium. Do you have what it takes to represent Athens at the great games at Olympia? The ancient Greeks believed in training the mind and body together, so once you start your training you'll study grammar, music, citizenship, and philosophy. At the same time, you'll be expected to develop all of your athletic skills: boxing, running, wrestling, the long jump, and the pentathlon.Once every four years the great games at Olympia take place. If you're good enough, you'll join athletes from all over the Greek world for a month of special training. Athletes must work hard—there is no second or third place.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Pirates Needed—apply at the Singing Sailors Inn. Do you have what it takes to become a pirate aboard the sloop Dolphin and sail the Spanish Main? The year is 1680, and once you sign on to the ship, there's no turning back. You'll need to learn new skills, like tying knots, rowing, and sword fighting. You'll be taught how to pump out the bilge and repair torn sails. But most of all, you'll want to capture ships and seize their treasure. Be ready to answer questions during your job interview at the end of the book. Answer most of them right, and you'll get the job!National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.