Book excerpt: Life for youngsters in ancient Rome was both different and similar to today. There were schools, but only wealthy children attended them. There were pets, but monkeys and magpies were popular as well as dogs and cats. Baths were a must, but most children took them at one of the city's 1,000 public baths. Even the favorite hangout of contemporary youngsters, the mall, originated in Rome. This book explores one of the world's great historic cultures, from its religious life to its distinctive cuisine, as experienced by its younger members.