Middle Ages (additional questions)

[OneStepAtATime]

DS is wanting to start studying the Middle Ages.  He is currently working through the Ancients and dabbling with the World Wars on the side for fun.  He loves History.  He absolutely loved reading Percy Jackson books while studying the Ancients since a lot of references in there tied to what he was studying.  He wants to start the Middle Ages in February when he will probably have completed most of his primary material in Ancients.  Is there any book series out there that ties well to the Middle Ages?

 

 

 

EDITED TO ADD: Now seeking some project resources as well, if anyone has any ideas....

[tammyw]

Good question! DD11 is reading through these books from Oxford University Press, but I think you are asking more about chapter books, right?

 

Medieval and Early Modern World

• The European World: 400-1450
• The African and Middle Eastern World: 600-1500
• The Asian World: 600-1500
• An Age of Empires: 1200-1750
• An Age of Voyages: 1350-1600
• An Age of Science and Revolutions: 1600-1800

[OneStepAtATime]

Those look great.  Thanks to much for taking the time to list them!

 

But yes, along with more fact type books I was looking at finding a good chapter book series or two, preferably relatively accurate.

[Tanaqui]

A series? I can't think of any series, but I can think of a few individual books if that's okay. Give me a few hours to put the girls to bed, brush my teeth, and look through my shelves and I'll get back to you.

 

Does it have to be middle ages Europe, or is middle ages all over the world good too?

[tammyw]

 

Does it have to be middle ages Europe, or is middle ages all over the world good too?

 

For me, I'd love Middle Ages all over the world!

[OneStepAtATime]

A series? I can't think of any series, but I can think of a few individual books if that's okay. Give me a few hours to put the girls to bed, brush my teeth, and look through my shelves and I'll get back to you.

 

Does it have to be middle ages Europe, or is middle ages all over the world good too?

Actually, all over the world would be fantastic!

 

And thanks for the effort... :)

[nannyaunt]

I remember reading these books back in Jr. High in the early 70's.  I am pretty sure they are too old but they might work as a read aloud.  The author is Thomas Costain and the first book I remember reading was called Below the Salt.  I don't remember any questionable content but I am certain they would be in the adult section of the library. ..... Ok, now that I have checked Amazon and Audible I realize they are not age appropriate.  However, they did make films of a couple of his novels back in the 50's and depending on the quality might allow for a comparison study of book vs. film.  None of which applies here.  Sorry.

 

Ok, Brayden Rider: Tales of a Medieval Boy

[nannyaunt]

Mark Twain The Prince and the Pauper.

[Melissa B]

The Rosemary Sutcliff books

 

There is an Amazon list that has all of her books listed in chronological order. I would link it, but I can no longer get the link button to work for me - sorry.

[Coco_Clark]

I can't think of a modern series like Percy Jackson that relayed to the Middle Ages but when I think "Middle Ages" I can't help but think about:

 

Viking mythology, and Neil Gaiman's Odd and the Frost Giants for a bit of fun

 

Robin Hood

 

Different takes on King Arthur

[Tanaqui]

All righty then.

First, if he doesn't mind reading the dreaded Books about Girls, Karen Cushman has written several books set during the Middle Ages that are short and quick and well-written.

 

As a child, I was a huge fan of Quest for a Maid - fantasy, but based around real events.

 

Freedom Beyond the Sea

 

My Guardian Angel

 

The Peace Child

 

The Ramsay Scallop

 

The Edge on the Sword

 

Girl in a Cage

 

The Puppeteer's Apprentice

 

I Rode a Horse of Milk White Jade and the sequel, To Ride the Gods' Own Stallion

 

Anna of Byzantium - gee, they really ARE all books about girls - is very loosely based around the sister of John the Beautiful.

 

Books with male protagonists include

 

Blood Red Horse (and series)

 

Sign of the Chrysanthemum

 

Tusk and Stone

 

The Single Shard

 

The Kite Fliers

 

The Winter Prince and the whole series, including The Lion Hunter

 

The Examination

 

The Kite Rider

 

King's Shadow

 

The Crispin books

 

The Winter Hare

 

The Cure (bit of an odd choice, it has a sci-fi premise)

 

Adam of the Road

 

The Shakespeare Stealer (and series)

 

Children of the Longhouse

 

The Gareth Hinds version of Beowulf

 

Breath

[ScoutTN]

We liked the Viking quest series. I think the first one is called Raiders from the Sea.

Not as good as Rosemary Sutcliff, but still good.

[Pen]

Ranger's Apprentice and Brotherband books.   Knights in shining armor and all that. Not "historical"...but then neither is Percy Jackson. Great tie in in a similar way. And likely to be loved by anyone who loved Percy Jackson books.

 

Terry Jones (?) (one of the Monty Python group) has excellent somewhat whacky history videos that include Middle Ages, not what you asked, but, highly recommend them.

[OneStepAtATime]

Ranger's Apprentice and Brotherband books.   Knights in shining armor and all that. Not "historical"...but then neither is Percy Jackson. Great tie in in a similar way. And likely to be loved by anyone who loved Percy Jackson books.

 

Terry Jones (?) (one of the Monty Python group) has excellent somewhat whacky history videos that include Middle Ages, not what you asked, but, highly recommend them.

DS and I love Terry Jones videos.  We were watching the Celtic chapter of The Barbarians just the other day.  :)  I was a big Monty Python fan in college.  

 

And thanks for the suggestions, Pen.  :)

[OneStepAtATime]

Thanks everyone.  I am checking out the suggestions now.  Tanaqui I appreciate you taking the time to type that list.  Wow.  

 

Everyone, it was such a boost to come back to this post and see all the wonderful recommendations on here.  They look really great.  DS and I deeply appreciate it!  The Hive rocks!  :)  :thumbup:

[Pen]

Mark Twain The Prince and the Pauper.

 

and, if that, then also A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

[Tanaqui]

Tanaqui I appreciate you taking the time to type that list.  Wow.

 

Oh, it's no problem. It's all part of my New Year's Resolution.

 

[Ellie]

Barbara Willard wrote a series called the Mantlemass Chronicles. They might be set in the Middle Ages:

 

1. The Miller's Boy, 1976.
2. The Lark and the Laurel, 1970.
3. The Sprig of Broom, 1971.
4. A Cold Wind Blowing, 1972.
5. The Eldest Son, 1988.
6. The Iron Lily, 1973.
7. A Flight of Swans, 1980.
8. Harrow and Harvest, 1974.

[OneStepAtATime]

Oh, it's no problem. It's all part of my New Year's Resolution.

:lol:

 

O.k. yours must be more productive and altruistic than mine...:)  :thumbup:  Two thumbs up for you Tanaqui.   :laugh:

[OneStepAtATime]

 

Barbara Willard wrote a series called the Mantlemass Chronicles. They might be set in the Middle Ages:

 

1. The Miller's Boy, 1976.
2. The Lark and the Laurel, 1970.
3. The Sprig of Broom, 1971.
4. A Cold Wind Blowing, 1972.
5. The Eldest Son, 1988.
6. The Iron Lily, 1973.
7. A Flight of Swans, 1980.
8. Harrow and Harvest, 1974.

 

Thanks Ellie.  Are these listed in order of storyline/story chronology?  Since the publication dates are not in order I thought maybe the story was written out of order?

[Farrar]

The Crispin books, which someone mentioned upthread, are probably the closest thing I can think of. But there's so much great middle ages literature in middle grades books. And it does sometimes seem like the Newbery is middle ages biased - Adam of the Road, Proud Taste for Scarlet and Minniver, Crispin: the Cross of Lead, Good Masters Sweet Ladies, Catherine Called Birdy, Midwife's Apprentice, The Whipping Boy... all got Newbery nods

[Ellie]

Thanks Ellie.  Are these listed in order of storyline/story chronology?  Since the publication dates are not in order I thought maybe the story was written out of order?

 

Wow. I do not know. I would read them in order of publication. I've read most of them, but it was long ago.

[OneStepAtATime]

For anyone following this thread, I thought this link below might be helpful as well.  And thanks so very, very much for everyone's responses.  Working to create a list for DS to choose from, as well as a time line that would link well with what he wishes to study:

 

http://www.historicalnovels.info/Medieval-YA.html

[OneStepAtATime]

Has anyone used the Memoria Press Famous Men of the Middle Ages material?  I was wondering if any of that might be useful as an addition or to help me create a spine.  DS likes structure and clear expectations, even for stuff he is doing for fun, but I don't have a ton of time to put into this....

[duckens]

How serious about history is your ds? (You don't have to answer here; it's none of our business).

I see that he is only 10, but, as we all know, they grow fast!

I don't have a book or novel suggestion, but I have stumbled upon a wonderful archive of BBC Radio called, "In Our Time."

I would definitely put its level at High School Plus.  The host, Melvyn Bragg interviews intellectuals, professors, and researchers that have a lifetime of work and research to share on topics like Chivalry and Robin Hood (and all other aspects  of history, science, philosophy, etc).  Put it under your hat until he hits high school, in case he is still enthusiastic about history.

Here's the part of the archive on the Medieval Time Period.  There's a different section on the Renaissance and the Dark Ages, if he wants topics in that area.  (Some topics overlap).

 

[OneStepAtATime]

How serious about history is your ds? (You don't have to answer here; it's none of our business).

 

I see that he is only 10, but, as we all know, they grow fast!

 

I don't have a book or novel suggestion, but I have stumbled upon a wonderful archive of BBC Radio called, "In Our Time."

 

I would definitely put its level at High School Plus.  The host, Melvyn Bragg interviews intellectuals, professors, and researchers that have a lifetime of work and research to share on topics like Chivalry and Robin Hood (and all other aspects  of history, science, philosophy, etc).  Put it under your hat until he hits high school, in case he is still enthusiastic about history.

 

Here's the part of the archive on the Medieval Time Period.  There's a different section on the Renaissance and the Dark Ages, if he wants topics in that area.  (Some topics overlap).

 

 

Thank you so much!  DS lives all things History.  And current events.  At 10 he has more understanding of politics and historical connections than most High Schoolers I know.  It just all makes so much sense to him and really fires him up.

 

TBH, it has been a bit hard on DS to have such a strong interest in this subject since DD and DH see very little value in studying history, especially to the depth that DS wants to, and so far he can't find a single friend in our area that has much interest either.  I tried starting a history club for him and didn't get a single taker.   :sad:   I am hoping that the lack of support from peers and other family members won't quell his enthusiasm too much since he just seems to GET history, KWIM?

[duckens]

 

OneStepAtATime says:

TBH, it has been a bit hard on DS to have such a strong interest in this subject since DD and DH see very little value in studying history, especially to the depth that DS wants to, and so far he can't find a single friend in our area that has much interest either.  I tried starting a history club for him and didn't get a single taker.   :sad:   I am hoping that the lack of support from peers and other family members won't quell his enthusiasm too much since he just seems to GET history, KWIM?

:grouphug:  With a mom like you, he's going to be just fine.  He is very lucky to have you as his mom and his cheerleader!

 

History IS thrilling, if presented in the right way.   I've found that the more history I read, the more it all connects and makes sense to me.  As I tell my daughters, "You can't make this stuff up!" when we talk about some of the crazy, amazing, and inspiring stories from the past.

 

Thank goodness he's homeschooled.  Can you find him mentors/peers outside his age range? 

 

1) Join SCA or another re-enactment group.  Send him to be a drummer boy or waterboy for Civil War re-enactments.

 

2) Is there a local college of any sort nearby? 

--Seek out the professors.

--Find younger adjunct instructors (because they are closer to your son's age and closer to their age 10 selves) and ask how they explored history as a tween/teen.

--Crash the "History Club"' weekly or monthly meetings to find someone who can talk as a peer with your son about history.

 

3) Is there a local Historical Society?  Our local group has recently become MUCH more active with talks about "the 8th Grade test" to "the Local Connection with the Manhattan Project" to a holiday afternoon of stringing popcorn and cranberries and other Christmas activities.  He may need to read about local or state history to become conversant with them (check the local library!), but I suspect if these people are interested in local history, they may be interested in other periods of history, too.

 

4) Genealogy.  The value of this as an activity is that it teaches how to search through documentation (a handy skill to have in this field).  A good beginning resource is: your local Mormon church.  :scared: Either your local church, or the closest "stake center" (regional center) will have a "Genealogy Library," and these genealogy libraries are used by a LOT of non-members, so don't feel awkward.   

 

The volunteer at the church library used 1920 census records to find my grandmother's birth family in about 5 minutes with only a location and a common family last name of Lee.  (My grandmother was adopted out after her parents died).  We identified the family because all of her brothers were listed; and we found the birthplace of her father, which was previously unknown.  Oh, and I'm not a member of the Mormon Church.

 

One thing I see again and again about people: if you find a subject they are passionate about, they WANT to talk about it and share it.  And MOST want to share it with the next generation.  This doesn't matter whether it is knitting, family farming dynamics, solving the Rubiks Cube, trains, or history.

 

-------------------------------------------------

Not mentors, but there are great history shows on PBS.

--Some Nova.  Topics this autumn have been: First Air War (WWI), Ben Franklin's Balloons, China's Terra Cotta Warriors, and Neil Armstrong

--Finding Your Roots --addicting!

--Reality TV meets History: the house series

Manor House

Frontier House

1940s House

Colonial House

[OneStepAtATime]

Thanks for the suggestions, duckens!  And the encouragement.  

 

Sadly and very frustratingly, there is no local SCA, no local reenactments of history, and the local historical museum is hanging by a thread.  And no one seems to care about World history at all.  History in any form just doesn't seem valued here.  Drives me nuts.

 

MIL did extensive genealogy work before DS was born but her situation changed dramatically when her husband and mother both became invalids as she also went through health challenges.  Her time is almost non-existent now.  But she might very much like to at least share some of her research methods, etc.  One of the books she wrote on DH's family is used for local history reference at the University here (family has been here since before Texas was Texas or Mexico was even Mexico so lots of family history tied to local history).  

 

The local University doesn't seem to have much in the way of history, BTW, but I will pursue that further, see if there is SOME sort of history club or organization that might have members willing to mentor.  Hadn't thought about that.  :)

[Carol in Cal.]

I second Crispin and the Cross of Lead.

Add in The Once and Future King.  Also Half Magic is so funny, and references some of the same material.
My Book House, if you can find it (OOP for many years), is a great series that has a lot of Western Civ stuff from that period in it for kids.

Rats, Bulls, and Flying Machines covers the Renaissance and Reformation pretty well.

I love the Greenblatt biographies as they include the bio, some background (life and times stuff), and some original writing of the period, along with lots of gorgeous illustrations.  There is one on Lorenzo D'Medici that would really fit well.  

Also, check for a Renaissance Faire nearby.  Those are usually reasonably kid-friendly and very entertaining.  Our local one has a lot of awesome and unusual craft classes available, like making chain mail for example.

 

[Orthodox6]

The Rosemary Sutcliff books

 

There is an Amazon list that has all of her books listed in chronological order. I would link it, but I can no longer get the link button to work for me - sorry.

Sutclif's books are so good, it is worth the effort and cost to scour the used book market for desired titles.

[OneStepAtATime]

O.k. checking into the Sutcliff books....I know we have a couple.  Not sure what all we have, though.

[Orthodox6]

OneStep, are you in Texas? Sounded as if perhaps you are. I can't imagine where you live that does not have college-level history. One reason my history son -- (I infected three out of four.) -- went to SMU was for the Medieval Studies program.

[OneStepAtATime]

OneStep, are you in Texas? Sounded as if perhaps you are. I can't imagine where you live that does not have college-level history. One reason my history son -- (I infected three out of four.) -- went to SMU was for the Medieval Studies program.

Yep, Texas.  But not near one of the big cities.  I wasn't very clear and I am sorry.  The Uni has a History department, but there doesn't seem to be a big push for history in our area and the history department seems very small and not very respected, IMHO.  And the bulk of the studies seem to be for Latin American history, not Ancient or Middle Ages or even WWI/II, which are DS's current areas of interest.

[KrissiK]

Rosemary Suttcliffe books are great. We read "Son of Charlemagne" by Barbara Willard and really enjoyed that. We are in the middle of "Adam of the Road", which is a wonderful book. Very well written.

[OneStepAtATime]

Thanks everyone.  Has anyone used Memoria Press's Famous Men of the Middle Ages or something like it for a guide or a supplement or even a spine?

[OneStepAtATime]

And does anyone know of a good Middle Ages pre-printed time line that might cover more than just Europe?  Or a couple of time lines I could combine to cover more than just Europe?

[OneStepAtATime]

I have Mem press Middle Ages Guys or whatever and it's just ok for me.

 

Castle in the Attic was a beloved book here. Has a sequel.

Thanks for the feedback.  So far I haven't heard anything earthshattering about the Mem Press Middle Ages stuff IRL either....

 

And I think my mom has Castle in the Attic.  Gonna grab her copy tomorrow.... :)

[kiwik]

An increasing number of the Sutcliffe books are now available on kindle. I loved Ronald Welch too but only Knight Crusader is on kindle (which is my favorite anyway). I also liked Geoffrey? Treece but they are OOP and not on kindle.

[OneStepAtATime]

An increasing number of the Sutcliffe books are now available on kindle. I loved Ronald Welch too but only Knight Crusader is on kindle (which is my favorite anyway). I also liked Geoffrey? Treece but they are OOP and not on kindle.

Kindle is definitely a huge plus since DS does most of his reading on Kindle, usually with Immersion Reading.  Thanks for the headsup, Kiwik.  Ran out of likes, so "like".

[Clear Creek]

My kids read MP Famous Men of the Middle Ages in 5th grade. The oldest used the MP workbook, but I just discuss it with my current 5th grader after she reads it. Both of my girls have enjoyed it.

[Soror]

Thanks everyone.  Has anyone used Memoria Press's Famous Men of the Middle Ages or something like it for a guide or a supplement or even a spine?

Here is the google play link so you can check out the book for free:

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/John_Henry_Haaren_Famous_Men_of_the_Middle_Ages?id=2sgXAAAAIAAJ

 

We read some of this and it was ok, I wouldn't base a study around it, MP's stuff is mind-dulling boring for my crew.

 

We did some Middle Ages last year so I'll have to look at my lists to see if there was anything we loved not listed. TBH I only did so-so with engaging books last year and that is why our Middle Ages study was not as good as our American History study has been. 

 

We're not big on historical fiction here, as we prefer good engaging non-fiction. Ds also enjoys classic stories and we really enjoyed our readings about Robin Hood and King Arthur last year. In a different vein David McCauley's book Castle (he also has Cathedral but we never got around to it) were enjoyed and our library had the corresponding video. Another hit was some DK Eyewitness books about Knights and Vikings.

 

Anyway, that is not exactly what your looking for but I'll put it out there nonetheless. I'll see what else from my stacks we really enjoyed when I get a chance.

[Soror]

Well, I just went through my bookshelf and nothing major popped out at me. However, I thought of Redwall which has a middle-ages feel to it and is beautifully written and enthralling. I did it as a read-aloud last year and we both couldn't get enough, he then went on to read some on his own.

[Upward Journey]

We've really enjoyed quite a few titles by this publisher.  A bonus: you can search their books by time period and country, and they sell them as hard copy or ebooks. :)  We esp. enjoyed their version of Beowulf by Ian Serrallier.

 

http://bethlehembooks.com/

[OneStepAtATime]

Some great resources here, everyone.  Thanks so much!  :)

[OneStepAtATime]

What about some good Middle Ages project resources?

[Orthodox6]

We've really enjoyed quite a few titles by this publisher.  A bonus: you can search their books by time period and country, and they sell them as hard copy or ebooks. :)  We esp. enjoyed their version of Beowulf by Ian Serrallier.

 

http://bethlehembooks.com/

 

We have many books from this excellent company!

 

Serrallier's rendition of Beowulf is a top favorite version of mine.  I still remember reading it to my oldest two sons when they were in elementary school, with them hanging on to every word!

[Orthodox6]

An increasing number of the Sutcliffe books are now available on kindle. I loved Ronald Welch too but only Knight Crusader is on kindle (which is my favorite anyway). I also liked Geoffrey? Treece but they are OOP and not on kindle.

 

Treece is very hard to locate; however, he will turn up on the used book circuit.  We don't own any, but I remember reading him when I was a child and his books were in the public libraries. 

 

Another hard-to-find author is Cynthia Harnett.  We have four of her books, also valued for content and good quality.

[OneStepAtATime]

Just wanted to say thanks again for everyone's input. Much appreciated!!

[kiwik]

Treece is very hard to locate; however, he will turn up on the used book circuit. We don't own any, but I remember reading him when I was a child and his books were in the public libraries.

 

Another hard-to-find author is Cynthia Harnett. We have four of her books, also valued for content and good quality.

I know. I have managed to track down one Treece of the dozen or so I read as a kid. NZ is a bit limiting for second hand books and most of the book shops won't sell old tatty books.

[Chris in VA]

I see this is an old thread--but that OP updated.

 

Have you looked at the SOTW Activity Guide? It has plenty of projects that a 10-11 yo would do well with. Also Knights and Damsals has some good projects, esp the games and recipes--your library can probably get both thru IIL if they don't have already. I also like Knights and Castles--check out Amazon for a used copy--they have them for a couple of dollars plus postage.

 

I know there's a trebuchet kit out there, and tons of good lapbooks. Homeschool Share has some based on Castle Diary, and others, too. There's the massive SOTW2 one you could probably glean something from.

 

HTH