historical fiction

Historical Fiction: Middle Ages Middle Age Man

Ella Enchanted By Gail Carson Levine

Lady Ella is a teenager in a fictional Medieval village. Ella is no ordinary girl, for she had been "blessed" (or cursed, in her opinion) with complete obedience. Any direct command given to her must be obeyed immediately, even if it means inflicting pain or death on herself or those she loves. When her mother dies and her father remarries, Ella is sent to finishing school, away from family and friends, but always under the watchful eye of her fairy godmother, disguised as a kitchen maid. As this incredible story progresses, Ella is faced with many challenges, and her quest begins to resemble that of a well-known fairy tale.
Reviewed/Read: 8th Grade

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

The Mists of Avalon is an amazing retelling of the classic Arthurian legends from a new perspective: that of the women who helped or hindered Arthur before and during his reign. This incredible book brings new life to many characters, especially Morgaine, sister to the King, and her quest to keep Avalon from being forever swallowed into the magical mists, and the forbidden romance between Queen Gywnhyfar and Sir Lancelet. The Mists of Avalon also masterfully represents the struggle of the ancient Goddess-worshiping religion of Avalon, and the new religion sweeping the British Isles, Christianity. All this is set in the mystical backgrounds of Camelot and Avalon, with characters so real you feel their triumphs and sorrows. An incredible book, but it contains some material that may be inappropriate for the youngest reader.
Reviewed/Read: 10th Grade

Catherine, Called Birdy By Karen Cushman

Lady Catherine of Stonebridge Manor is far from your typical Medieval lady. Quick tempered and bold, Catherine is always getting herself into trouble. One day, her father, the lord of her fourteenth century manor (the "beast" in her opinion) decides he will give her to any suitor who pays him a good price. Unfortunately, the highest bidder is also the oldest and the ugliest. Can even a not-so-typical lady get out of such a mess? Read yourself to find out!
Reviewed/Read: 6th Grade

The Ramsay Scallop By Francis Temple

Fourteen year old Elanor Ramsay is betrothed to Thomas, a man who left on a crusade eight years before. Neither are in favor of the agreement, so the local priest decides to send them on a pilgrimage to get to know each other. Throughout the journey, they learn a lot about life -- and each other.
Reviewed/Read: 6th Grade

Float back to Katie's Korner! Discuss these books!

	Ella Enchanted By Gail Carson Levine Lady Ella is a teenager in a fictional Medieval village. Ella is no ordinary girl, for she had been "blessed" (or cursed, in her opinion) with complete obedience. Any direct command given to her must be obeyed immediately, even if it means inflicting pain or death on herself or those she loves. When her mother dies and her father remarries, Ella is sent to finishing school, away from family and friends, but always under the watchful eye of her fairy godmother, disguised as a kitchen maid. As this incredible story progresses, Ella is faced with many challenges, and her quest begins to resemble that of a well-known fairy tale. Reviewed/Read: 8th Grade
	The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley The Mists of Avalon is an amazing retelling of the classic Arthurian legends from a new perspective: that of the women who helped or hindered Arthur before and during his reign. This incredible book brings new life to many characters, especially Morgaine, sister to the King, and her quest to keep Avalon from being forever swallowed into the magical mists, and the forbidden romance between Queen Gywnhyfar and Sir Lancelet. The Mists of Avalon also masterfully represents the struggle of the ancient Goddess-worshiping religion of Avalon, and the new religion sweeping the British Isles, Christianity. All this is set in the mystical backgrounds of Camelot and Avalon, with characters so real you feel their triumphs and sorrows. An incredible book, but it contains some material that may be inappropriate for the youngest reader. Reviewed/Read: 10th Grade
	Catherine, Called Birdy By Karen Cushman Lady Catherine of Stonebridge Manor is far from your typical Medieval lady. Quick tempered and bold, Catherine is always getting herself into trouble. One day, her father, the lord of her fourteenth century manor (the "beast" in her opinion) decides he will give her to any suitor who pays him a good price. Unfortunately, the highest bidder is also the oldest and the ugliest. Can even a not-so-typical lady get out of such a mess? Read yourself to find out! Reviewed/Read: 6th Grade
	The Ramsay Scallop By Francis Temple Fourteen year old Elanor Ramsay is betrothed to Thomas, a man who left on a crusade eight years before. Neither are in favor of the agreement, so the local priest decides to send them on a pilgrimage to get to know each other. Throughout the journey, they learn a lot about life -- and each other. Reviewed/Read: 6th Grade