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plaidpladd's review against another edition
funny
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
This book is fine. I think it offers an interesting perspective, especially for a child/teen like I was who loved reading medieval fantasy novels since it highlights some of the often ignored aspects of medieval life. It's really weird that it won a Newbery though lol
pagesofpins's review against another edition
5.0
The monologues of 23 medieval tweens, each building on the other to show how the children in a medieval village are loosly connected. Through these monologues we get a picture of the sights, smells, joys and hardships of medieval life, the difference between occupations, and the alliances and feuds of sociey. A great book for a class to perform, as was its intention, but also a fun read for individual tweens.
djahatimisor's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
jtlars7's review against another edition
Good - but S. wouldn’t read it with me. Maybe better for older elementary schoolers?
a_manning11's review against another edition
4.0
I was surprised that this was a Newbery Winner, maybe because of its form. I'm glad I read the author's foreword, because it prepared me for what followed. This is a great way to introduce children to the Middle Ages using acting. The child monologues offer a surprising amount of insight and information. And on top of that they are interesting and fun.
The design of the book is a huge success, Robert Byrd's illustrations and informative side notes and explanatory pages accompany the acting fun.
The design of the book is a huge success, Robert Byrd's illustrations and informative side notes and explanatory pages accompany the acting fun.
bethgiven's review against another edition
3.0
Even though it's a short book, I've put this book off for awhile -- it just sounded really hokey somehow. And it is a little hokey (I can't imagine a group of students actually performing this play!), but it also taught me a few things about this historical time period, and there are a few really good, poetic lines. Very unique Newbery winner.
froydis's review against another edition
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The illustrations are very nice, and the poems / monologues are quite engaging. Using this in a classroom would be a wonderful interactive way for kids to get a feel of the middle ages, and what life was like. The short explanatory essays are also very good. This would be a great book for anyone who needs a good introduction to Medieval life. Highly Recommended!
katherina_lei's review against another edition
5.0
This was a awsome book! It was different but stil amazing!
metaylor1381's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Another book about the middle ages that focuses on the immiseration of its characters. While there's nothing in here that's strictly inaccurate, the choice to focus on the ways the characters are victimized by their times and to shine barely any light on their joys gets old.