Catherine, Called Birdy by
Catherine, a spirited and inquisitive young woman of good family, narrates in diary form the story of her fourteenth year--the year 1290. A Newbery Honor Book.
Come to the Castle! by
BEHIND THE SCENES IN A MEDIEVAL CASTLE History comes alive in poetry and pictures. Welcome to the 13th-century banquet at the castle of the Earl of Daftwood! Here young readers will meet all of the lords and ladies, the servants and the squires. They will discover surprises: flying silverware and mystery meat made of animal feet for dinner--life in the castle isn't always elegant. Linda Ashman's clever rhyming text and S.D Schindler's intricate illustrations look at life in a medieval castle from multiple eye-opening perspectives.
Crispin: The Cross of Lead by
Genre-jumping author Avi clocks in here with his 50th book, Crispin:The Cross of Lead, an action-packed historical narrative that follows thefrantic flight of a 13-year-old peasant boy across 14th-century England.After being declared a "wolf's head" by his manor's corrupt steward for a crimehe didn't commit (meaning that anyone can kill him like a commonanimal--and collect a reward), this timid boy has to flee a tiny villagethat's the only world he's ever known. But before our protagonist escapes, Avimakes sure that we're thoroughly briefed on the injustices of feudalism--thecountless taxes cottars must pay, the constant violence, the inability of aflawed church to protect its parishioners, etc. Avi then folds in the book'scentral mystery just as the boy is leaving: "Asta's son," as he's always beenknown, learns from the village priest that his Christian name is Crispin, andthat his parents' origins--and fates--might be more perplexing than he everimagined.Providing plenty of period detail (appropriately gratuitous for the age group)and plenty of chase-scene suspense, Avi tells a good story, develops a couple offairly compelling characters, and even manages to teach a little history lesson.(Fortunately, kids won't realize that they're learning about England's peasantrevolt of 1381 until it's far too late.) (Ages 10 to 14) --Paul Hughes
Crispin at the Edge of the World by
In this riveting sequel to the Newbery Award-winning "Crispin: The Cross of Lead"--the second book in a planned trilogy--Avi explores themes of war, religion, and family as he continues the adventures of Crispin and Bear.
Egyptian Diary by
Brimming with lively, detailed illustrations and bolstered with endnotes, a timeline, and a glossary, this tale from the author of Castle Diary follows a brother and sister who try to discover who is plundering the tombs in ancient Memphis. Full color.
Hour of the Olympics by
The #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time celebrates 25 years with new covers and a new, easy-to-use numbering system! No girls allowed at the Olympic Games! That's the rule when the Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie back to ancient Greece. But when Annie tells jack to go to the games without her, he knows she's up to something. Will Annie find a way to see the games? Or will she get herself--and Jack--into Olympic-size trouble? Find out in Hour of the Olympics. Did you know that there's a Magic Tree House book for every kid? Magic Tree House: Adventures with Jack and Annie, perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books Merlin Missions: More challenging adventures for the experienced reader Super Edition: A longer and more dangerous adventure Fact Trackers: Nonfiction companions to your favorite Magic Tree House adventures Have more fun with Jack and Annie at MagicTreeHouse.com!
The Knight at Dawn by
The #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time celebrates 25 years with new covers and a new, easy-to-use numbering system! A castle with a secret passage! That's what Jack and Annie find when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the Middle Ages for another wild adventure. In the Great Hall of the castle, a feast is under way. But Jack and Annie aren't exactly welcome guests! Did you know that there's a Magic Tree House book for every kid? Magic Tree House: Adventures with Jack and Annie, perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books Merlin Missions: More challenging adventures for the experienced reader Super Edition: A longer and more dangerous adventure Fact Trackers: Nonfiction companions to your favorite Magic Tree House adventures Have more fun with Jack and Annie at MagicTreeHouse.com!
The Midwife's Apprentice by
From the author of Catherine, Called Birdy comes another spellbinding novel set in medieval England. The girl known only as Brat has no family, no home, and no future until she meets Jane the Midwife and becomes her apprentice. As she helps the sharp-tempered Jane deliver babies, Brat--who renames herself Alyce--gains knowledge, confidence, and the courage to want something from life: "A full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world." Medieval village life makes a lively backdrop for the funny, poignant story of how Alyce gets what she wants. A concluding note discusses midwifery past and present. A Newbery Medal book.
On a Medieval Day by
What if you could spend a day in the shoes of a child in the middle ages? What would you learn about cultures of the past? On A Medieval Day, part of the On a Day Story Voyages series, uses nine exceptional pieces of historical fiction to give kids just that opportunity. Contrary to the commonly Euro-centric associations of the word "medieval," On A Medieval Day visits cultures from Japan to Mali and spans nearly 800 years of world history. From Viking explorers and religious persecution in Spain, to medical advances in Baghdad and early ball sports in the Mayan Empire, this book challenges assumptions and enlightens young readers to the complex and fascinating civilizations that have all shaped our world. Told through the eyes of boys and girls aged 12 to 14, kids are able to follow each character through a single day. These stories are further expressed through the commanding portraits painted by artist Peter Ferguson. Each story is further augmented by detailed background pages that use facts, maps and illustrations to bring readers further into this history.
The Paint Box by
A Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice selection for 2005 Nominated for the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award for Illustration for 2004 Marietta's father, Jacopo Tintoretto, is a renowned and famous artist living in Venice during the Renaissance era. More than anything, Merietta wants to paint like her father. But Marietta is a girl -- to work and study with her father she must disguise herself in boy's clothing. Her hose and doublet allow her to accompany her father to the studios and galleries of Venice with the paint box her father has given her. "A gift from one painter to another, my dear. The work of an artist can fill the heart with light. Use it well, Marietta, and your heart will know happiness." When Marietta meets Piero, a young cabin boy, she is envious of everything he sees sailing the oceans -- mountains, meadows and seas far from Venice. But Piero, sold into slavery to the ship's captain, only dreams of staying at home and learning to paint. As the friendship between the two grows throughout the summer, they make plans that will allow Piero's dreams to come to fruition. And when the time for Piero's escape home arrives, Marietta's special gift of her cherished paint box makes his trip extra special.
The Travels of Benjamin of Tudela by
Through Three Continents in the Twelfth Century Imagine a time when streets were narrow and dirty, towns were surrounded by walls, brigands lurked alongside roads that were treacherous and few, bridges over rivers were rare, and a man setting out on a journey never knew if he would return alive. It was the year 1159 when the medieval Jewish traveler Benjamin left his native town of Tudela in northern Spain on an adventure to see the places he had read about in the Bible. He traveled for fourteen years - from Rome to Constantinople to Jerusalem to Baghdad, among others - by ship, by cart, and on foot, enduring great hardships in his quest for knowledge of other places and people. Working from Benjamin's original chronicle, written in Hebrew, as well as other sources on the period, Uri Shulevitz captures the true spirit of this amazing adventurer, using a text written in the first person and superlative illustrations. The Travels of Benjamin of Tudela is a 2006 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
Viking Princess by
This voyage is one of self-discovery for a young girl who learns that adventure is not, in fact, the thing she wants most in life.
Viking Quest by
Fifteen-year-old Rigg, son of Leif Eriksson, loves mystery and adventure. In the early eleventh century, he finds both of these in abundance when his father sails away and leaves him behind in Vinland, the Vikings' precarious foothold on the wild Newfoundland coast. Soon, rigg makes an amazing discovery. The Vikings aren't alone in this alien land. But who inhabits it with them? Demons, giants, or another human tribe - one that equals the Norse invaders in skill and bravery?
Yikes, Vikings! by
Since discovering the Canadian Flyer, a magical time-traveling sled, in Emily's attic, Matt and Emily have met fearsome pirates in Frobisher Bay, outrun dinosaurs in the Alberta badlands, and panned for gold in the Yukon. In Yikes! Vikings!, Emily and Matt have the incredible experience of joining Eriksson and his crew on their historic journey to Vinland in the year 1001. Almost 500 years before Columbus, Viking Leif Eriksson was the first European to set foot on North American soil. But will the kids' ingenuity save the day when a crew member gets lost in the new land? In this, the fourth book in the popular Canadian Flyer Adventures series, author Frieda Wishinsky weaves well-researched and accurate historical facts into her compelling, kid-friendly storytelling, while Jean-Paul Eid's action-packed illustrations situate readers in place and time perfectly. At the end of their adventure Emily and Matt share additional facts about Viking Explorers, and Wishinsky gives additional facts here too, in an informative Q&A format.
Cloudwalker by
Cloudwalker, describing the creation of the rivers, is the second in a series of Northwest Coast legends by Roy Henry Vickers and Robert Budd. Their previous collaboration, Raven Brings the Light (2013), is a national bestseller. On British Columbia's northwest coast lies the Sacred Headwaters--the source of three of British Columbia's largest salmon-bearing rivers. These rivers are the source of life for all creatures in the area. But what gave life to the rivers themselves? Astace, a young Gitxsan hunter, is intent on catching a group of swans with his bare hands. He is carried away by the birds' powerful wings and dropped in the clouds. With only a cedar box of water Astace wanders the clouds, growing weaker, stumbling and spilling the contents. When he finally returns to earth he discovers lakes, creeks, and rivers where there were none before. The Gitxsan rejoice at having him home, and name the new river they live alongside Ksien--"juice from the clouds." Roy Henry Vickers' vibrant artwork, including 18 new prints, accompany this new retelling of an ancient story--readers of all ages will be captivated.
Hiawatha and the Peacemaker by
Born of Mohawk and Cayuga descent, musical icon Robbie Robertson learned the story of Hiawatha and his spiritual guide, the Peacemaker, as part of the Iroquois oral tradition. Now he shares the same gift of storytelling with a new generation. Hiawatha was a strong and articulate Mohawk who was chosen to translate the Peacemaker's message of unity for the five warring Iroquois nations during the 14th century. This message not only succeeded in uniting the tribes but also forever changed how the Iroquois governed themselves--a blueprint for democracy that would later inspire the authors of the U.S. Constitution.Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator David Shannon brings the journey of Hiawatha and the Peacemaker to life with arresting oil paintings. Together, the team of Robertson and Shannon has crafted a new children's classic that will both educate and inspire readers of all ages.Includes a CD featuring an original song written and performed by Robbie Robertson.
Qanuq Pinngurnimata by
Two gifted northern writers, Rachel A. Qitsualik and Sean A. Tinsley, have collaborated to produce mesmerizing prose interpretations of Inuit creation stories. Readers will be drawn in by the humour, wisdom, and depth of these inspired tellings, which invite a contemporary audience to learn from and be moved by the complex spiritual metaphors of ancient Inuit knowledge. Illustrated in full colour.
Skraelings by
In this adventurous novel - set in the ancient Arctic, but narrated for modern readers by an inquisitive and entertaining contemporary narrator - a young, wandering Inuit hunter named Kannujaq happens upon a camp in grave peril. The inhabitants of the camp are Tunit, a race of ancient Inuit ancestors known for their shyness and meekness. The tranquility of this Tunit camp has been shaken by a group of murderous, pale, bearded strangers who have arrived on a huge boat shaped like a loon. Unbeknownst to Kannujaq, he has stumbled upon a battle between the Tunit and a group of Viking warriors! As the camp prepares to defend itself against the approaching newcomers, Kannujaq and a Tunit shaman boy named Siku discover that the Vikings may have motivations other than murder and warfare at the heart of their quest. This lush historical fiction is steeped in Inuit traditional knowledge and concepts of ancient Inuit magic. The unique time and place brought to life in this exciting novel will delight young fans of historical and fantastical fiction alike.
We-Gyet Wanders On by
The legends collected in We-gyet Wanders On are the ancient stories of the people of 'Ksan who have lived in northern British Columbia for over six thousand years. We-Gyet i the essence of every man's frailties exaggerated into gentle humor or ribald laughter. His adventures always end in disaster. His blunders and tricks changed the face of the earth, and the shapes of many of earth's creatures. We-Gyet was a creator - by accident!