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.