A review by common_household_mom
The Inquisitor's Tale: Or, the Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz

adventurous challenging funny reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

 
A 2017 Newbery Honor Book, Winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award. 
Recommend.  To me, this was an extraordinary tale.  For a children’s book it includes deep philosophical and theological questions, and well-rounded characters.  Although I have never read Chaucer, the style seems modeled after Chaucerian tales of the Middle Ages.  The story is humorous, at times fantastical, and also quite violent, perhaps as a story taking place in 13th Century Europe must be.  Some children reading this might need to have adult guidance regarding the antisemitic and anti-Muslim thoughts expressed by some characters.  The king referenced in the first lines is Louis IX, who was 28 years old in 1242, the year this book takes place.  After his death in 1270 he was canonized as a saint.  Some of his behavior, as recorded by history and in this book, is decidedly less than saintly. 
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