Format :
Library CD (In Stock)
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2 Formats: CD
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2 Formats: Library CD
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ISBN: 9781664432314
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ISBN: 9781664540149
| Runtime: | 9.31 Hours |
| Category: | Fiction/Historical |
| Audience: | Children (8–12) |
| Language: | English |
Summary
Summary
National Book Award winner Kathryn Erskine presents a unique novel about a sickly boy's epic journey through England and Scotland at the height of Medieval times. Adrian is small for his age, even for an almost thirteen year old. It doesn't help that he has albinism, which makes those he meets wonder if he's an angel or a devil. His father is a bowyer, and all Adrian wants to do is become apprenticed and go off to war as an archer. But that's not what his father wants for him. Since Adrian can write, his father wants him to be a scribe. That's just about the last thing Adrian wants. When the Scots invade England and Adrian's best friend Hugh runs off to find his father and fight in battles, Adrian soon follows, intent on finding Hugh and joining him in glorious warfare against the pagans invading England from the north. When Adrian finds Hugh, who is caring for a wounded Scotsman, he's horrified that Hugh would aid an enemy. But soon, as Adrian gets to know Donald, he begins to question what he's been taught about the enemy and the nature of war. In this epic journey an afflicted boy finds an inner strength he never knew belonged to him.Editorial Reviews
Editorial Reviews
“In this picaresque-style historical novel, thirteen-year-old Adrian—small,
asthmatic, and an albino—dreams of becoming a soldier and fighting the
‘pagan Scots’ that threaten 1346 England…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.” —Publishers Weekly
“Erskine hits the bull’s-eye in her retelling of the hero’s
journey through the eyes of a young, medieval archer determined to prove
his worth through battle…Erskine excels at combining
action, historical tidbits, and thoroughly likable
characters with modern sensibilities.” —School Library Journal
“Erskine uses the strife of medieval England as a backdrop to
explore differences, puberty and the divided loyalties of war…The unusual setting
highlights the message that people aren’t so different from one another.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The unlikely hero of this tale…Adrian finds it within himself to be braver than he ever imagined in new and terrifying circumstances and also learns to open his mind to the humanity of the enemy. This is an extremely well-told historical adventure that would appeal well beyond the publisher’s age recommendations and might be a good possibility for older reluctant readers. Although not a major player, the strong character presented in Bess makes this appealing for both genders.” —Children’s Literature
“Narrator Graham Halstead embraces the ever-changing scenes and characters. As Adrian, he portrays moments of childlike defiance as Adrian confronts his father, heartache as he loses track of his comrade Hugh, agonizing resignation as he experiences what war does to men, and wisdom as he plans for his future. Be it village field or alehouse, priory or battlefield, Halstead provides added authenticity with a gentle British accent and a Scottish brogue. A glossary of terms completes the production.” —AudioFile
Author
Author Bio: Kathryn Erskine
Kathryn Erskine is the acclaimed author of many distinguished novels for young readers, including Mockingbird, winner of the National Book Award; The Absolute Value of Mike, an Amazon Best Book and ALA Notable Book; and Quaking, an ALA Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers; and Seeing Red, which Booklist hailed as “powerful” in a starred review. Kathryn lives and writes in Charlottesville, Virginia, with her husband and two children.
Details
Details
| Available Formats : | CD, Library CD |
| Category: | Fiction/Historical |
| Runtime: | 9.31 |
| Audience: | Children (8–12) |
| Language: | English |
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