Favorite Childrens Historical Fiction:Dark Ages-Renaissanc
Discover the best children's historical fiction from the Dark Ages to the Renaissance! Explore curated picks like *The Door in the Wall*, *Adam of the Road*, and *Otto of the Silver Hand*, plus thrilling tales of knights, castles, and saints. Perfect for young readers who love medieval adventure and timeless classics.
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Beorn the Proud
by Madeleine A. Polland
Beorn, a pagan Viking from Denmark, becomes a better ruler as a result of the influence of Ness, a Christian girl he took from Ireland as his slave.
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The Red Keep
by Allen French
Conan, a young squire in twelth-century Burgundy, is determined to find a way to defeat the fearsome Sauval brothers, a pair of robber barons who pillage and terrorize the local countryside.
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If All The Swords In England
by Barbara Willard
Young Simon, recently and tragically orphaned, becomes a scribe in the following of the exiled Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket. The uncertainty of the tumultuous years leading to the infamous cathedral slaying is heightened by Simon's separation from his twin Edmund, who is in the service of King Henry II. With an expert pen Barbara Willard deftly recounts events leading to the bishop's martyrdom in 1170.
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The Lost Baron
by Allen French
Martin's first day as a page is also his last when the Baron mysteriously disappears and his visiting relative and heir takes charge of the castle.
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The Hidden Treasure of Glaston
by Eleanore M Jewett
Amidst great mystery, Hugh is left in the care of Glastonbury Abbey by his father who must flee England too swiftly to be burdened by a crippled son. Ashamed of his physical weakness, yet possessed of a stout heart, Hugh finds that life at the abbey is surprisingly full in this year 1171, in the turbulent days of King Henry II. Hugh, his friend Dickon and their strange friend, the mad Bleheris, uncover a treasure trove and with it a deeper mystery of the sort that could only occur in Glastonbury where Joseph of Arimithea was said to have lived out his last years. Before all is done, more is resolved than Hugh could ever have hoped. A Newbery Honor winner. Illustrated by Frederick Chapman.
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Story of Rolf and the Viking Bow
by Allen French
Rolf, son of Hiarandi the Unlucky, is a character who exemplifies the effect of Christ's teachings upon the Icelandic people during their heroic age. The book is set in Iceland in the days when Christianity has come to the island though the old customs still linger. Hiarandi, at the urging of his wife, does an unprecedented thing: he lights a signal fire on a dangerous point of his land, thereby challenging the accepted custom which places lucrative salvage at higher value than the saving of life. However, the life that is saved that night causes his own death and the unjust outlawing of his son Rolf. Rolf's response to this injustice creates a suspenseful, thought-provoking tale difficult to put down.
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Augustine Came to Kent
by Barbara Willard
It is the year 597 and Pope Gregory is sending a select number of his monks, led by Fr. Augustine, to re-evangelize England. Young Wolf, born in that land but raised in Rome, accompanies his father, Wolfstan, who goes as a guide and interpreter. Though the King of Kent's wife is a Christian, the missionaries from Rome do not know whether they will be welcomed, tolerated or martyred. In a story full of adventure, Wolf meets Fritha, a Saxon girl whose life and destiny are soon closely bound up with his own. Events, significant in the history of Christianity, are vividly brought to life by this veteran writer of historical fiction. Illustrated by Mary Beth Owens.
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The Door in the Wall
by Marguerite de Angeli
WINNER OF THE NEWBERY MEDAL • An uplifting story of resilience set in medieval times about a boy who learns to overcome obstacles and ultimately save the castle. This historical fiction novel is a classic for all ages! “An enthralling and inspiring tale of triumph.” —The New York Times Ever since he can remember, Robin, child of Sir John de Bureford, has been told what is expected of him as the son of a nobleman. He must learn the ways of knighthood. But Robin’s destiny is changed suddenly when he falls ill and loses the use of his legs. Fearing a plague, his servants abandon him, and Robin is left alone. A monk named Brother Luke rescues Robin and takes him to the hospice of St. Mark’s, where he is taught woodcarving and patience and strength. Says Brother Luke, “Thou hast only to follow the wall far enough and there will be a door in it.” Robin learns soon enough what Brother Luke means. When the great castle of Lindsay is in danger, Robin discovers that there is more than one way to serve his king.
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Men of Iron
by Howard Pyle
In seeking to avenge his unjustly accused father, young Myles Falworth is knighted and wins the friendship of King Henry IV.
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Otto of the Silver Hand
by Howard Pyle
The gentle son of a medieval German robber baron, raised in the calm and thoughtful quiet of a monastery, returns to his father's castle and, despite great suffering and blood-feuds, grows to honor and manhood.
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Adam of the Road
by Elizabeth Janet Gray
A Newbery Medal Winner Awarded the John Newbery Medal as "the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children" in the year of its publication. "A road's a kind of holy thing," said Roger the Minstrel to his son, Adam. "That's why it's a good work to keep a road in repair, like giving alms to the poor or tending the sick. It's open to the sun and wind and rain. It brings all kinds of people and all parts of England together. And it's home to a minstrel, even though he may happen to be sleeping in a castle." And Adam, though only eleven, was to remember his father's words when his beloved dog, Nick, was stolen and Roger had disappeared and he found himself traveling alone along these same great roads, searching the fairs and market towns for his father and his dog. Here is a story of thirteenth-century England, so absorbing and lively that for all its authenticity it scarcely seems "historical." Although crammed with odd facts and lore about that time when "longen folke to goon on pilgrimages," its scraps of song and hymn and jongleur's tale of the period seem as newminted and fresh as the day they were devised, and Adam is a real boy inside his gay striped surcoat. "Engaging and beautifully written."—Children's Literature
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Favorite Medieval Tales
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A collection of well-known tales from medieval Europe, including "Beowulf," "The Sword in the Stone," "The Song of Roland," and "The Island of the Lost Children."
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Ms. Frizzle's Adventures
by Joanna Cole
When Ms. Frizzle and her student Arnold follow an underground passage beneath Craig's Castle Shop and find themselves in the middle of a siege of a 12th century English castle, they learn a great deal about both castles and the Middle Ages.
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The Adventures of Robin Hood
by Roger Lancelyn Green
Champion of the poor and oppressed, Robin Hood takes refuge with his Merrie Men in the vast Sherwood Forest, emerging time and again to outwit his enemies with daring and panache. Green's version of the classic tale brings sense, clarity and excitement to the myths, ballads and legends of Robin's adventures.
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King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table
by Roger Lancelyn Green
The immortal legend of King Arthur, full of great deeds and high enchantments. This classic version of the Arthurian tales gives fresh vigour to the golden age of Logres. From the birth of Arthur and the sword in the stone to the quest for the Holy Grail and the Last Battle at Camlann, the clash between good and evil is rich in mystery and excitement.
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Life in a Medieval Castle and Village Coloring Book
by John Green
Illustrations depicting everyday life in the Middle Ages are accompanied by brief text.
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The Princess and the Kiss
by Jennie Bishop
A loving king and queen present their daughter with a gift from God - her first kiss - to keep or to give away. The wise girl waits for the man who is worthy of her precious gift. Where is he and how will she ever find him? The surprising answer in this marvelous parable will touch the heart of parent and child alike.The Princess and the Kiss beautifully portrays the ageless message that "love... comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Timothy 1:5 NIV)
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Knights & Castles
by Avery Hart
Dozens of games and celebrations invite kids to investigate the Middle Ages, while through descriptions of food, clothing and more, they can become part of a mythical time of castles and kings, cathedrals and conquests. Illustrations & photos. Consumable.
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If You Lived in the Days of the Knights
by Ann McGovern
This book tells what it was like to live in the days of the knights during the Middle Ages.
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Knight
by Geoffrey De Lance
Presents information on the lives of medieval knights in the form of a guide for knights-in-training, covering such topics as heraldry, weaponry, chivalry, the joust, castles, war, and quests; and features lift-flaps throughout.
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In the Time of Knights
by Shelley Tanaka
Follows the career of medieval knight William Marshal from his rigorous training to his tournaments and Crusade battles, and provides information on weaponry, castle life, and the political and religious background of his era.
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Castle
by David Macaulay
"Text and detailed drawings follow the planning and construction of a "typical" castle and adjoining town in thirteenth-century Wales."--Title page verso.
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The Joyful Beggar
by Louis De Wohl
"Set against the tempestuous background of thirteenth-century Italy and Egypt, her is the magnificent and inspiring story of Francis Berardone, the brash, pleasure-loving young officer who was to become immortalized as St. Francis of Assisi." -- Back cover.
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Francis and Clare, Saints of Assisi
by Helen Walker Homan
A Vision Book about St. Francis and St. Clare, the two very popular saints of Assisi. Helen Homan has captured all the excitement and beauty of the lives of these saints from their childhood growing up together in Assisi to their profound conversion and lifelong influence�indeed centuries-long influence�on the whole world through their radical living of the Gospel and founding of two great religious orders, the Franciscans and the Poor Clares. Combining the stories of Francis and Clare in one volume makes for a book that will be of great interest to both boys and girls of a wide age span. Illustrated. Cover art by Chris Pelicano This book is now part of Renaissance Learning's Accelerated Reader program. Quizzes are currently available.
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St. Elizabeth's Three Crowns
by Blanche Jennings Thompson
This new story in the Vision Books series of saints for 9 - 15 year olds is aobut Saint Elizabeth of Hungary who spent her life differently than most saints. Instead of living in poverty like St. Francis of Assisi, she lived most of her life in a castle surrounded by incredible wealth. She was born Princess Elizabeth of Hungary, the daughter of King Andrew. By the age of four she was already engaged to be married and was sent far away from her home to live with Louis, her husband-to-be, who was only 10 years old. From the beginning of her life in her new castle, Elizabeth was ridiculed by all of those people who were jealous of her. They noticed that she was always trying to be holy. As she would play games with other children, she would contrive little ways to sneak into the chapel and have a visit with Jesus. Although Elizabeth was a princess, she longed to live the kind of poverty she heard about through the Franciscans. She became a member of the Third Order of St. Francis and she constantly gave her jewels and best clothes to the poor. Sometimes she gave everything away and had nothing nice to wear, but Jesus always provided for her at the last minute. When she emptied the castle store-houses of grain for the poor, Jesus would miraculously fill them up again. Her subjects were never able to grow accustomed to the queen who lived the life of a saint, but they always appreciated her generosity and saw in her such simplicity and holiness. Only four years after her death she was canonized a saint.
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Saint Francis of the Seven Seas
by Albert F. Nevins
This new story from the popular Vision Books series of saints lives for youth 9-15 years old is about the inspiring life of the great missionary to the Far East, St. Francis Xavier. After his wartorn boyhood in Navarre, Francis Xavier went to the University of Paris, determined to have a good time. He was interested in sports and became broadjumping champion of his college, and did not pay much attention to his studies. At first he scoffed at this fellow student, Ignatius Loyola, a former soldier who wanted to win the world for God. But Ignatius showed him that true champions are a far more heroic breed - those who risk their all to win the world for God. Francis joined Ignatius' followers, and became one of the first members of the Society of Jesus.Francis Xavier was selected by Ignatius to do missionary work in India. To all sixteenth-century travelers, a voyage from Portugal to India meant months of deadly peril from storms, pirates, and diseases. But to Father Francis Xavier, it also meant a chance to win the Orient for Jesus Christ. This great saint's eagerness to spread the Word of God involved him with the pearl divers of the Indian coast, the natives of Malaya and the Spice Islands, the cannibals of Morotni and the hostile feudal lords of ancient Japan. This book captures the true spirit of a daring man who braved the many dangers of India and Japan in amazing adventures of courage and faith.