A Tournament of Knights by Joe Lasker*

 Through a narrative about Justin, a young knight about to fight his first tournament, readers learn how a typical tournament was set up and run. They also learn what is at stake for the loser! 

This author/illustrator has also written/illustrated two other books about this time period. My county library system does not own them, so I bought used copies. (Merry Ever After: The Story of Two Medieval Weddings  & Pearl in the Egg: A Tale of the Thirteenth Century).

-Borrowed from the library.

*Highly recommend.

Let's Keep Christmas a sermon by Peter Marshall illustrations by Barbara Cooney*

 with an introduction by Catherine Marshall (the author of  Christy)

I read this teeny, precious book because Mrs. Ivester recommends it in Glad and Golden Hours (I wrote down a lot of titles she recommends!). Mr. Marshall, a Scottish-American preacher, shares the importance of Christmas and keeping it in our souls. I would love to buy this book (especially this 1952/1953 edition illustrated by Barbara Cooney!) and read it each Christmas.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library (the former owner who donated it to the library was from my hometown!)

Hilwa's Gifts by Safa Suleiman illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan

 While visiting his family in Palestine (Israel), Ali helps them harvest olives from his favorite tree, Hilwa. During his stay, he learns about the myriad of gifts Hilwa bestows on the family. 

A sweet, multi-generational story set in a region not often featured in children's books.

Discussion: How the author calls the region Palestine, not Israel

-Borrowed from the library.

The Friendship Train by Debbie Levy illustrated by Boris Kulikov*

 After WWII, in 1947 Europe faces a cold winter without food. The U.S. government proposes a plan to help, but government plans take a lot of time to enact/pass. So Drew Pearson, a newspaper journalist, rallies the American people to make donations to these countries. The U.S. sends 500 boxcars of food! Children contributed a lot of these donations and were a huge force for raising money toward the cause.  In return, France expresses its gratitude by sending forty-nine boxcars with gifts to the U.S.

In the author's note, tinges of her political leanings peek through her writing.

*Highly recommend because of this little known piece of history! (at least to me!)

-Borrowed from the library.

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin illustrated by Barbara McClintock*

 In her book Glad and Golden Hours Lanier Ivester mentions books by Kate Douglas Wiggin several times. I then realized that I had never read this classic by her (nor any books by her)!

This book is a delight. Spinster aunts, Miranda and Jane Sawyer, agree to host one of their sister's children. They are hoping for Hannah. Rebecca, however, arrives at their doorstep with an imagination and a zest for life. Soon the town embraces her. Aunt Miranda continues to be harsh and strict. Despite this treatment, Rebecca flourishes and becomes a source of pride. 

This book was published before Anne of Green Gables but does not receive as much recognition. I still like Anne better but this book is at the top of my "favorite classic list". Anne contains more drama, a meatier plot, and more flowery writing. I feel like by the end of these novels, readers know Anne better than they know Rebecca (plus there are more books about Anne than Rebecca). 

I especially like this edition with illustrations by Barbara McClintock (one of my favorite illustrators). If I ever see this edition in a bookstore, I will most likely want to buy it!

*Highly recommend. I think every preteen and teen girl would benefit from reading this novel! 😉

-Borrowed from the library.

Magic in the Margins by W. Nikola-Lisa illustrated by Bonnie Christensen

 Simon, an orphan, is living in a monastery and longs to  draw pictures for the manuscripts. Under Brother William's guidance, Simon learns about the various tasks in a scriptorium. When Brother William inquires about Simon illustrating the illuminated manuscripts, Father Anselm concedes IF Simon proves to have the ability to capture mice. Simon slowly solves Father Anselm's riddle and experiences the joy of drawing!

I liked the writing and the storyline, but the illustrations did not appeal to my preference.

-Borrowed via ILL.

Bestiary by Jonathan Hunt*

 An Illuminated Alphabet of Medieval Beasts

My eighteen-year-old son would have loved reading this book as an elementary and junior high student! 

Mr. Hunt creates an illuminated alphabet book depicting various creatures, both real and fantasical, from the medieval era. Thoroughly researching his subject manner, he exposes readers to the lore of that time.

*Highly recommend (but some of the creatures are evil and violent in nature! Not for sensitive readers).

-Borrowed from the library.