September 8, 2014
In this picaresque-style historical novel, 13-year-old Adrianâsmall, asthmatic, and an albinoâdreams of becoming a soldier and fighting the "pagan Scots" that threaten 1346 England. Perceived as weak and touched by the devil, the self-dubbed "Badger" is a skilled archer and has the rare ability to read and write. When his amiable friend Hugh joins the English army, Adrian runs away to follow him. Adrian's meandering journey has its dry moments: his adventures at a priory, friendship with a knight, and encounter with a Roman latrine can read like a checklist meant to supplement a middle-school history class. But National Book Awardâwinner Erskine (The Absolute Value of Mike) gives her unlikely warrior a lively voice, and the narrative cleverly upends Adrian's assumptions and prejudices, especially when it comes to foreigners and his long suffering cousin Bessie, whose kindness and determination he belittles as badly as others do him. The medieval-era mud and dung, as well as a scene of graphic battle violence, should captivate readers seeking total immersion in a distant, yet vibrantly imagined era. Ages 8â12. Agent: Linda Pratt, Wernick & Pratt.
February 1, 2015
Gr 4-7-Twelve-year-old Adrian is small for his age, and the perfect target for the village bullies. He simply wants to be a bow maker like his father, or maybe an archer, though his father wants him to become a scribe. When the Scots invade England, Adrian leaves his village, seeking his friend Hugh, who has run off to join the army. Adrian goes from village to town to monastery, finding adventure and learning what it means to be a man. When he does meet up with Hugh, he learns that his friend has been caring for a wounded Scottish soldier. But as Adrian helps, he learns that maybe the enemy isn't so bad, and that perhaps war isn't so glorious after all. Most importantly, Adrian learns to think for himself, and have the courage to do what is right, even if it is not popular. Narrator Graham Halstead brings the story to life, and children and adults alike will be captivated by Adrian's tale. VERDICT This exceptional audiobook should be required listening for tweens.-Amanda Rollins, Northwest Village School, Plainville, CT
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