ktcarlston's review
4.0
Really 3.5 but I am rounding up.
I can see myself LOVING to read this to Henry and Greta when they are a bit older. It's really a great book. But, it's not something I necessarily loved reading on my own. It took me a long time to slog through it but at the same time it was really well done and interesting. I loved the end where the author talked about what he based the characters on in the 13th century. How about a rating of "not bad" and "read aloud to kids 8 and up"?
I can see myself LOVING to read this to Henry and Greta when they are a bit older. It's really a great book. But, it's not something I necessarily loved reading on my own. It took me a long time to slog through it but at the same time it was really well done and interesting. I loved the end where the author talked about what he based the characters on in the 13th century. How about a rating of "not bad" and "read aloud to kids 8 and up"?
suzannedix's review against another edition
4.0
I am so glad that I stuck with this story. I had thought it was going to be a funny, adventurous romp and was miffed why I wasn't laughing more...by page 150 I really thought I'd stop reading. I was then rewarded with a heartfelt story of theology and compassion and justice. This will be a stretch for the average middle school reader but those who love a thinking story with fantastical elements will love this novel.
A fun twist on Chaucer's A Canterbury Tales.
Grades 5 and up though the history of the Middle Ages is complex. History enthusiasts will dive right in.
A fun twist on Chaucer's A Canterbury Tales.
Grades 5 and up though the history of the Middle Ages is complex. History enthusiasts will dive right in.
kemendraugh's review
5.0
This book is solid gold and I can't recommend highly enough. The audiobook has an amazing recording of anew amazing song by an amazing bard, and he hard copy has such gorgeous pictures.
All the characters are great. Gwenforte is the best one.
All the characters are great. Gwenforte is the best one.
colleenbee's review
5.0
I don’t usually read a lot of YA or children’s fiction as my kids are old enough to choose their own books to read and I prefer books written for adults. But I recently started a job as an elementary school assistant librarian and have been reading some current children’s books so I can have recommendations for the kids.
And WOW this book was good. Some younger kids might find it a little grisly, but it is a fantastic story and I loved the “illuminated” pages. My 14-year-old picked it up before I did and he loved it too.
And WOW this book was good. Some younger kids might find it a little grisly, but it is a fantastic story and I loved the “illuminated” pages. My 14-year-old picked it up before I did and he loved it too.
jbojkov's review
5.0
This book is hard to classify. It's kind of a tale you would expect to hear from a bard or other old-fashioned storyteller. It's told from various perspectives and it includes a young monk who has incredible strength, a girl who has special powers, a Jewish boy who has special healing powers, and a saintly, reincarnated dog. Oh- and they are on the run from the king who wants them dead- or so they think. Wonderful story! One of my favorites this year.
pwbalto's review
5.0
I finished this book last night teetering on the verge of tears. Not because it's a sad ending, although there is sorrow, and not because it's a happy ending, although there's a lot to be glad about. But because I LIVED with these children (and their holy dog) through 368 pages of fear and hardship and friendship and doubt and certainty and at times it was hard to tell whether or not things were going to turn out ok - this is, after all, an author who feels free to kill and (sometimes) resurrect child characters - and so the TENSION was just about KILLING ME.
And now all I want to do is read it again, for the beauty and the tragedy and the Talmudic wisdom and the monastic scholarship. And the cheese. Mustn't forget the cheese. Sigh.
And now all I want to do is read it again, for the beauty and the tragedy and the Talmudic wisdom and the monastic scholarship. And the cheese. Mustn't forget the cheese. Sigh.
especiallybooks's review
3.0
All I have to say on this one is that I tried reading it once and didn't finish it that way. I listened to it on audio and I was ready for it to be over by the end. It was going well for me up until the middle and then I was done again, so I'm giving it 3/5 stars. I kept hoping the farting dragon would just come back and do all the characters in. Gah! Another "award-winning" children's book and I was just disappointed. I'm still not sure for the necessity of all of the supporting characters.