Look Around a Medieval Castle by Clare Hibbert

In this book readers are taken on a virtual tour of the historic medieval castle Krak des Chevaliers as it functioned in 1270. Rooms/areas of interest include the kitchens and latrines, armory, hospital, and dungeon. Each page contains illustrations and information relating to the room such as how food was prepared, gardens, and what crusaders dined on are some of the topics covered on the pages that deal with the kitchens and latrines. Students third grade and up will enjoy this informational virtual tour of a medieval castle.

Genre: Non-Fiction

Hibbert, C. (2008). Look around a medieval castle. Mankato, MN: Arcturus.

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village written by Laura Amy Schlitz, illustrated by Robert Byrd

Schlitz, a librarian, wrote this 2008 Newbery Medal winner which consists of monologues written for a group of students at the Park School in Baltimore, where she currently works. The monologues are written from the perspectives of children aged between 10 and 15. They all live on a manor in England in the year 1255. Interspersed between the monoluges are mini history lessons on subjects such as the three-field system, medieval pilgrimage, the Crusades, falconry, Jews in medieval society, and towns and freedom. This book contains a 4 page bibliography.

This book gives a well-rounded view of living and working in this society. Entertaining and informative, this book would be appropriate for 5th graders and up.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Schlitz, L.A. (2007). Good masters, sweet ladies! Voices from a medieval village. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.