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”.