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>

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.

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.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, by Mark Haddon

Haddon, Mark (2003). The Curious incident of the dog in the night-time. New York: Vintage Contemporaries.

ISBN: 1400032717

Summary:  A murder mystery told by Christopher John Francis Boone, a 15-year-old autistic boy. When Christopher discovers his neighbor's dog dead in her yard with a pitchfork sticking out of him, he decides to track clues and solve the mystery, in direct defiance of his father's objections.  While uncovering the mystery, Christopher learns much more than just the incidences surrounding the dog's death as he unravels family secrets. 

Additional comments:  Haddon's insightful first-person narration gets the reader inside the mind of someone who is highly intelligent, obsessive, compulsive, irrational, devoid of emotions, and resistant to being touched.  After adjusting to Christopher's point of view, readers adjust to his abnormal behavior and logic, such as counting cars of each color to determine whether it is a Black Day (when he doesn't eat or speak with anyone) or a Super Good Day.  Despite the heavy and sad content of the novel, there is light humor in Christopher's efforts to process idiomatic expressions and solving problems.  Readers will be drawn in by the intriguing character and the unusual turn of events. 

Pride and Prejudice (DVD)

Wright, Joe (2005). Pride and Prejudice.  U.S.: Universal Studios.

Summary:  The classic love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy that is riddled with miscommunications, misunderstandings, assumptions, rumors, class differences and--you guessed it--pride and prejudice.  Based upon Jane Austen's novel and set in the countryside of 18th-century England, Pride and Prejudice follows the romances within the Bennet household, starting with  Lizzy's older sister, Jane, and Mr. Darcy's best friend, the wealthy Mr. Bingley.  

Additional comments:  Keira Knightly plays the independent and stubborn Lizzy Bennet, who will not resign to a convenient marriage, in the 2005 film production of Pride and Prejudice.  Staying mostly true to the original plot, the film version has picturesque cinematography, fabulous costumes, and passionate acting.  Not to be missed by lovers of romance.