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.