Medieval Life

A Mini-Bibliography for Young Adult Readers

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

The Black Rose by Thomas Bertram Costain.
RC 49358.
1273. Walter of Gurnie, bastard son of a noble crusader, meets commoner Tristram Griffen and Friar Roger Bacon at Oxford. Following his father's death, Walter journeys to Cathay seeking knowledge and riches. Tristram joins his adventures, which include the rescue of a captive Greek girl, whom Walter marries. Some violence. Adult reading level.

The Book of the Lion by Michael Cadnum.
RC 52423.
Medieval England. Seventeen-year-old apprentice Edmund is forced to join the Crusades as a squire to Sir Nigel, a knight. Edmund endures storms at sea, travel through foreign lands, and exposure to fighting and bloodshed for his king, Richard Lionheart. Some violence. For grades 6-9 and older readers.

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.

The Leopard Sword by Michael Cadnum.
RC 55816.
Knights' squires Hubert and Edmund leave the Crusades behind and set sail for England with their injured masters. Their ship is attacked by Saracen seamen, and thus begins their long and dangerous journey home. Sequel to The Book of the Lion (RC 52423). Some violence. For grades 6-9 and older readers.

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.

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.

The Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric Philbrook Kelly.
RC 22916.
The commemoration of an act of bravery and self-sacrifice in Krakow, Poland, saves the lives of a family two centuries later. For junior and senior high readers.

Braille Books

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.

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.

The Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric Philbrook Kelly.
BR 8341.
The commemoration of an act of bravery and self-sacrifice in Krakow, Poland, saves the lives of a family two centuries later. For junior and senior high readers.

Large Print Books

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.