Medieval Life
A Mini-Bibliography for Children in Middle Grades
To order any of these titles, contact the library by email, mail or phone. You may also request these titles online through our OPAC. Happy Reading!
Cassette Books
Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Gray Vining.
RC 23486.
Tale of a minstrel boy, Adam, who wanders through southeastern England in the thirteenth century. Adam's adventures in search of his beloved father and his lost dog lead him to London, Winchester, and Oxford. For grades 4-7.
The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer retold by Selina Hastings.
RC 31894.
Geoffrey Chaucer, often called "the father of English poetry," was born around 1342, and died probably in 1400. In the late 1380s Chaucer wrote the "Canterbury Tales," one of the greatest narrative poems in the English language. It consists of twenty-four tales told by a group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury Cathedral. Hastings has selected seven of the tales and retold them in modern prose. For grades 5-8 and older readers.
Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi.
RC 55295.
In 1377 England, the manor steward falsely accuses a thirteen-year-old orphan of murder. Before he runs away, the boy learns his name from the village priest. On the road with Bear, a juggler, Crispin learns who his father is—and the reason the steward wants him dead. For grades 6-9.
Matilda Bone by Karen Cushman.
RC 52441.
After being comfortably housed and receiving a religious education from Father Leufredus, fourteen-year-old orphaned Matilda is sent to work for Red Peg, the bonesetter. Still focused on prayer and souls, Matilda blunders her way into the practical everyday world of medieval England. For grades 5-8.
The Midwife’s Apprentice by Karen Cushman.
RC 40833.
In medieval England, a homeless girl known only as Brat is taken in by the village's sharp-tempered midwife. Through obstacles and hardship, the waif eventually earns what she wants most: a full belly, a contented heart, a purpose, and a name: Alyce. For grades 6-9.
Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter by Astrid Lindgren.
RC 21319.
A fantastic adventure set in the dark woodlands of the Middle Ages. Ronia, the darling of her father, a robber king, and his band of twelve rowdy men, causes terrible trouble when she befriends the son of a rival robber chieftain. For grades 4-7 and older readers.
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park.
RC 53670.
Tree-ear, an orphan in twelfth-century Korea, spends most of his time foraging for food for himself and Crane-man, an older companion. Tree-ear takes advantage of a mishap in master potter Min's yard to become his apprentice, learning a craft and gaining unforeseen rewards. For grades 5-8.
Braille Books
Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Gray Vining.
BR 51339.
The adventures of eleven-year-old Adam as he travels the open roads of thirteenth-century England searching for his missing father, a minstrel, and his stolen red spaniel, Nick. For grades 4-7.
Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi.
BR 14606.
In 1377 England, the manor steward falsely accuses a thirteen-year-old orphan of murder. Before he runs away, the boy learns his name from the village priest. On the road with Bear, a juggler, Crispin learns who his father is—and the reason the steward wants him dead. For grades 6-9.
The Door in the Wall by Marguerite De Angeli.
BR 9243.
Just before ten-year-old Robin is about to begin his duties as a page, he is stricken with an illness that leaves him unable to walk. Both his parents are away, and the servants, fearing the plague that has devastated London, leave him all alone. Then, Brother Luke takes Robin to St. Mark's hospice, where he learns new skills and the patience that will allow him to become a hero. For grades 4-7 and older readers.
Fire, Bed and Bone by Henrietta Branford.
BR 11845.
In 1381 England, just after giving birth to puppies, a hunting dog watches in dismay as her kind owner and his wife are arrested during the peasants' revolt. The loyal dog describes the passing seasons as she keeps tabs on both her human family and her own offspring. For grades 5-8.
The Midwife’s Apprentice by Karen Cushman.
BR 15443 or BR 50389.
In medieval England, a homeless girl known only as Brat is taken in by the village's sharp-tempered midwife. Through obstacles and hardship, the waif eventually earns what she wants most: a full belly, a contented heart, a purpose, and a name: Alyce. For grades 6-9.
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park.
BR 14214.
Tree-ear, an orphan in twelfth-century Korea, spends most of his time foraging for food for himself and Crane-man, an older companion. Tree-ear takes advantage of a mishap in master potter Min's yard to become his apprentice, learning a craft and gaining unforeseen rewards. For grades 5-8.
Large Print Books
Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Gray Vining.
LP 1470.
Tale of a minstrel boy, Adam, who wanders through southeastern England in the thirteenth century. Adam's adventures in search of his beloved father and his lost dog lead him to London, Winchester, and Oxford. For grades 4-7.
Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi.
LP 1264.
In 1377 England, the manor steward falsely accuses a thirteen-year-old orphan of murder. Before he runs away, the boy learns his name from the village priest. On the road with Bear, a juggler, Crispin learns who his father is—and the reason the steward wants him dead. For grades 6-9.
Matilda Bone by Karen Cushman.
LP 810.
After being comfortably housed and receiving a religious education from Father Leufredus, fourteen-year-old orphaned Matilda is sent to work for Red Peg, the bonesetter. Still focused on prayer and souls, Matilda blunders her way into the practical everyday world of medieval England. For grades 5-8.
The Midwife’s Apprentice by Karen Cushman.
LP 50024.
In medieval England, a homeless girl known only as Brat is taken in by the village's sharp-tempered midwife. Through obstacles and hardship, the waif eventually earns what she wants most: a full belly, a contented heart, a purpose, and a name: Alyce. For grades 6-9.
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park.
LP 1113.
Tree-ear, an orphan in twelfth-century Korea, spends most of his time foraging for food for himself and Crane-man, an older companion. Tree-ear takes advantage of a mishap in master potter Min's yard to become his apprentice, learning a craft and gaining unforeseen rewards. For grades 5-8.