Crispin

Avi (2002).  Crispin: the cross of lead. New York: Hyperion Books.

Summary:  Asta's son is devastated and completely alone in the world when his mother, a hard-working peasant in Medieval England, dies.  When he accidentally witnesses a bizarre interaction in the forest, the steward of the manor falsely accuses him of theft and murder and puts a call out for his death.  Asta's son runs away from everything he's ever known and begins an adventure of self-discovery.

Additional Comments: This is a suspenseful page-turning mystery filled with historical truths, colorful characters, and exhilirating drama. Crispin is an ideal springboard for studying the Middle Ages>

Daughter of Venice

Napoli, Donna Jo (2003). Daughter of Venice. New York: Laurel Leaf.

Summary:  Set during the Renaissance, Daughter of Venice tells the adventures of 14-year-old Donata, who feels trapped in her wealthy family's palazzo and longs to explore beautiful Venice before she is made to move to a nunnery, the fate she expects with dread. She manages to find an escape by disguising herself as a poor fisherboy and makes daily jaunts into the city.  Her experiences change her more powerfully than she had anticipated.

Additional comments:  Daughter of Venice's strong-willed and courageous female protagonist is based on a true historical figure, who challenged unbending gender roles to achieve her education.  Donata's relationship to her family, especially her twin sister, her domineering father, and her protective brothers, will also intrigue readers. 

Beowolf

 Beowulf, retold by Penelope Hicks.  New York: Kingfisher Epics. 

Summary:  An illustrated retelling of the classic Saxon legend about an evil beast, Grendel, that slays the villagers of King Hrothgar’s land.  No man has survived an attempt to fight off Grendel until Beowulf  travels to conquer it. 

Additional Comments:  Beowulf epitomizes all of traditionally heroic qualities: virtue, honor, bravery, strength.   The Kingfisher retelling is illustrated with black and white drawings that complement this gory tale from the Dark Ages.

 

 

Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver

Konigsburg, E.L. (1973). A proud taste for scarlet and miniver.  New York: Aladdin Paperbacks.  201 pgs.

Summary:  Eleanor of Aquitaine waits impatiently in Heaven for the judgment of her husband, King Henry II.  While she waits with Henry’s mother, their knight, and the spiritual guide of Eleanor’s first husband, King Louis VII, they each recount parts of Eleanor’s life, including her participation in the Crusades, her divorce from Louis, and her role in inspiring her sons to rebel against their father.  

Additional Comments:  The personalities of the historical figures come to life through vivid characterization and description that paint a clear picture of the royal struggles of the 12^th century, particularly the English and French claims for land.  Eleanor’s negative attributes, such as frivolity, stubbornness, and intemperance, are recognized as much as her positive traits, including strength, intelligence, passion, and sophistication.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Kinney, Jeff (2007).  Diary of a wimpy kid. New York: Amulet Books. 217 pg.  

 

Summary: Greg’s hilarious stories about his awkward year in middle school.  Greg sneaks video games from his parents, avoids the Cheese Touch at all costs, joins the Safety Patrol for hot cocoa, and coaches his best friend, Rowley, on how to go up on his popularity marks.  When Greg and Rowley start fighting, Greg needs to decide how to save their friendship.

 

Additional Comments:  Comical illustrations accompany the text and bring the odd cast of characters to life with unforgettable expressions and witty dialogue.  Greg’s antics remind the reader about how difficult it can be to just not fit in at school and the challenge of doing the “right thing”.

 

A Door in the Wall

De Angeli, Marguerite (1949). The door in the wall. New York: Yearling Book.

Summary: Soon after his father leaves to fight in the Scottish wars and his mother leaves to tend to the queen, ten-year-old Robin falls terribly ill and becomes paralyzed in the legs. The plague strikes and Robin's escort to the castle where he would receive training to become a knight never arrives. He is saved by a monk, who takes him to a monastery where he is cared for and learns important lessons about woodcarving and patience.

Additional comments: A humorless story whose dry text is worth plodding through for the exciting climax that provides Robin with an opportunity for bravery and heroism. Though probably not a "high-interest" read for elementary students, this Newbery Award winner is well-written and inspiring.

Catherine Called Birdy

Cushman, Karen (1994). Catherine, called Birdy. New York: Clarion Books.

Summary: Fourteen-year-old Catherine is tired of the expectations of being a lady of the manor in 13th century England. Envious of the freedom that the villagers seem to have, Catherine rebels against her father's demands, particularly the demand for her to enter a profitable marriage whether she agrees or not.

Additional comments: The story is written as Catherine's diary over the course of the year 1290. Her entries provide insight into medieval life and the rigid gender roles that dictated life. The stubborn and spirited female protagonist tries to break free of her constraints but in so doing learns empathy for the struggles of others and finds peace.