Reviews

Adam of the Road (Puffin Modern Classics) by Elizabeth Janet Gray

hydenseek's review against another edition

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4.0

I’ll be honest, I don’t remember getting this book. I judge a book by the cover, and this one doesn’t scream “read me!” . Plus the setting is medieval which I typically have a hard time with. But I ended up liking it a lot!

tarakingwrites's review against another edition

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5.0

I haven't read this in years, but I LOVED it. I loved the grittiness of a world that is usually described only in fairy tale terms.

Updated 2022: I just love this book more. I love the history of it, and the sweet moments that leaven Adam's journey. Also I made a playlist of historically appropriate minstrel songs and I love them.

crystal_reading's review against another edition

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3.0

1943 Newbery Winner

Fun little adventure of a minstrel in training as he searches for his dog and father on the road.

sugarbloom's review against another edition

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4.0

A simple, beautiful story. The descriptions are fresh and the plot easily followed but surprising. It's funny in places, serious in others. No content objections that I can remember.

The plot follows Adam, a bard's son, through many adventures as he tries to reunite with his father and find his stolen dog. While lighthearted, it takes much longer than most YA quests and the main character grows up significantly, definitely a point in its favor. I think some of my favorite parts were when Adam, despite his many troubles, appreciates the simple delights of a life on the road.

bookdragon_rd's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging slow-paced

3.0

compass_rose's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars. I was surprised. I didn't think I'd like this at all, but it was engaging , with likeable characters and descriptive settings. Adam's adventures are like Robin Hood (very) Lite. Adventures, but for a sensitive, younger audience. A sweet story of a boy growing up as he travels a bit of England and gets into some scrapes. We learned about minstrels, court, village rules. A good component for our Medieval study.

kristinamskinner's review against another edition

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4.0

It’s a warm story about a minstrel’s son set in Medieval times. I’m not sure it would hold the attention of young readers today, but I enjoyed it.

plaidpladd's review against another edition

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3.0

This was fine. Especially compared to the other old Newberry winners I've been reading. I liked the historical setting, I haven't read many books set then

locke_reads's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

glenn_groff's review against another edition

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informative lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

2.5