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188 pp.
| Scholastic
| November, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-38697-5$12.99
(4)
4-6
Infinity Ring series.
This series (which has an online component) focuses on history nerd Dak, physics-obsessed Sera, and polyglot Riq as they travel through time to repair history. Mutiny focuses on Columbus's voyage; the writing is stilted and Native Americans are ignored. Divide, set in medieval Paris, appears to be more accurate, though the writing is formulaic. Fans of the 39 Clues books will be clamoring for this read-alike.
(3)
4-6
In The Crowfield Curse, William saved an angel. Now he must stop a demon that is bent on destroying Crowfield Abbey, even if it means turning to alchemy for help. Familiar characters return, including the fay, Shadlok, and their hob friend, Brother Walter. Magic and religion overlap in this absorbing, well-written (if derivative) historical fantasy, set in fourteenth-century Britain. Glos.
(4)
YA
Vicious Catholic clergymen persecute benevolent Cathars in thirteenth-century France as two childhood friends, Peter and John, explore the philosophies and futures each sect offers. Despite an intriguing topic, this exploration of faith and power ends up being too superficial. Wilson's prose is descriptive of the time, but can be plodding.
(3)
4-6
Sterling Biographies series.
Rich with facts, these biographies go beyond basic information and personal mythologies to reveal the lasting achievements and human foibles of six incredible women. Each thoughtfully designed volume draws readers in, vividly bringing to life the various places and times, from Joan of Arc's fifteenth-century France to Amelia Earhart's twentieth-century America, through informational sidebars, photographs, and document reproductions. Timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Sterling Biographies titles: Helen Keller, Cleopatra, Marie Curie, Amelia Earhart, Anne Frank, and Joan of Arc.
297 pp.
| Bloomsbury
| April, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-1-59990-056-8$16.95
(3)
YA
In fourteenth-century Italy, Silvano, accused of murder, hides in a friary. There he falls in love with Chiara, whose brother sent her to a convent against her will. The writing in this mystery/romance is rich and stylish (though readers uninterested in Italian fresco painting may think some passages drag). The well-realized setting will enthrall fans of medieval fiction.
213 pp.
| Viking
| April, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-670-06157-0$16.99
(3)
YA
Intricate details of late-eleventh-century life enrich this story of religious prejudice, unfaltering courage, and the friendship between two girls, one Christian, one Jewish. Leeds's emotive narrative centers on the 1096 Crusades and their catastrophic consequences for Jews inhabiting towns and villages on the Rhine River in what would become Germany. A map, author's note, and list of foreign phrases are included. Glos.
64 pp.
| Scholastic/Levine
| October, 2006
|
TradeISBN 0-439-52394-X$17.99
(2)
4-6
Illustrated by
Bagram Ibatoulline.
About Marco Polo, Freedman asks: "Did he really travel to China and beyond, as he claimed? Or was he...'the man of a million lies'?" Freedman provides background by writing of Polo's experiences and quoting from Polo's Description of the World. An author's note suggests more complex resources on the debate. This handsome volume--with faux-aged paper, archival prints, and original art--resembles a fourteenth-century manuscript. Ind.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2006
111 pp.
| Chelsea
| June, 2002
|
LibraryISBN 0-7910-6680-0$$22.95
|
PaperISBN 0-7910-7164-2$$11.95
(4)
YA
Battles that Changed the World series.
Marathon chronicles the people, terrain, and events that led to the unlikely defense of Athens against a much larger Persian army; Hastings discusses the Battle of Hastings, wherein William the Conqueror earned his name on the fields of England. While Hastings is marred only by maps that are too small and infrequent, Marathon is written in dull prose and would benefit from a glossary. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Battles That Changed the World titles: Marathon and Hastings.]
(3)
YA
After fifteen-year-old Ilena's father dies, she follows his vague but insistent instructions to travel east to seek a woman she has never met. Unlike her female peers in her sixth-century British village, Ilena has trained as a warrior, and her ability to wield a sword and ride into battle play a major role in her adventure. A little romance, plot developments concerning Ilena's unknown lineage, and plenty of action combine to create an absorbing first novel.
200 pp.
| Scholastic/Orchard
| June, 2001
|
TradeISBN 0-531-30334-9$$17.95
(2)
YA
In 794 C.E., a group of Norse raiders embarks on a perilous crossing in the swift new Raven to the Anglo-Saxon villages and new churches of Northumberland. Their raid, detailed here in all its brutality, exemplifies cultural conflict at its most basic. The third-person narration is a cool exploration, in a vivid historical reconstruction, of the psychology of violence.
Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 2001
32 pp.
| Heinemann
| May, 2001
|
LibraryISBN 1-58810-091-X$$23.58
(4)
4-6
Art in History series.
The well-designed double-page spreads in these series books give scattershot, superficial introductions, covering such topics as media (bronze, terra cotta), subject (people, animals), and audience ("Art for Kings"). The many full-color photos are enticing and well captioned. Each of the volumes include directions for an art project. Bib., glos., ind.
125 pp.
| Dutton
| October, 1999
|
TradeISBN 0-525-46167-1$$25.00
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
Peter Malone.
In this illustrated compendium of Arthurian information, the author discusses the probable historical king and describes other connections between the legends and known facts. Although the volume includes useful information about customs, as well as descriptions of many of the characters and events in the tales, a haphazard organization makes the volume seem disjointed. Ind.
32 pp.
| Holiday
| September, 1999
|
TradeISBN 0-8234-1424-8$$16.95
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Robert Rayevsky.
A simple, matter-of-fact, yet graceful biography effectively presents the dramatic events in the life of the peasant girl who led the French army to victory against the English and later became a saint. Illustrations rendered in dry point and etching on buff-colored paper have an elegant simplicity well suited to the story's medieval setting. An author's note provides additional details about Joan's life.
184 pp.
| April, 1999
|
TradeISBN 0-15-201827-1$$16.00
(2)
YA
In the year 2407, Gemm elects "the cure" to rid him of his aberrant love of music. The Elders transport him to Past Time, where Gemm becomes a young Jewish musician in 1348 Strasbourg, as Jews become scapegoats for the plague sweeping through Europe. The derivative dystopian frame is unnecessary; read this book for the compelling interior tale of a little-known true horror of the Middle Ages.
Reviewer: Susan P. Bloom
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 1999
122 pp.
| Harcourt
| March, 1999
|
TradeISBN 0-15-201736-4$$23.00
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
Michael Foreman.
Despite modern-day scenes that bookend the story and the text's occasional lapse into the point of view of Joan's pet sparrow, this novel effectively brings the fervent heroine to life. Following voices that she believes convey messages from God, fifteen-year-old Joan takes control of the French army and leads them to victory. Liberally illustrated with large watercolors, the book incorporates Joan's actual words as recorded at her trial.
64 pp.
| Candlewick
| September, 1999
|
TradeISBN 0-7636-0489-5$$21.99
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
Chris Riddell.
Eleven-year-old Tobias records his experiences serving as a page. During his first year at Strandborough Castle, Toby goes on a hunt, attends a feast, and helps with the harvest. The text contains interesting details of medieval life, but the diary format serves mainly as a vehicle for supplying historical information. The illustrations reveal both individual character and a broader view of medieval life in detailed double-page spreads. Bib., glos., ind.
80 pp.
| Raintree
| September, 1998
|
LibraryISBN 0-8172-5443-9$$27.12
(4)
4-6
History of Warfare series.
As a group, the books explore how war has changed throughout history--contrasting political and cultural influences, as well as advancements in technology and weaponry. Individually, each volume examines a number of conflicts within one historical era, identifying the participants and their beliefs and discussing key battles. Readers drawn to the historical reproductions and diagrams of battles may find the texts dry. Bib., glos., ind.