The Black Death

Gr 5 Up—Medieval history comes alive in this great series that combines the traditional book and graphic novel formats, and is designed to be fun and educational. In Knights, readers are presented with the origin of knights, starting in the eighth century with Charlemagne. The work covers topics such as empire building, the feudal system, chivalry, the Crusades, and armament. Panels are used to great effect, especially in depicting the Hundred Years War, the War of the Roses, the Battle of Agincourt, the Siege of Orleans, and the Battle of Bosworth. In Castles, details about how these fortified structures are built and fascinating facts about their importance and demise are covered with in-depth illustrations and information boxes. The Black Death, the most gruesome in the series, tracks plague routes and the pestilences's effect on European culture and history. Eyewitness accounts, tales of flagellants (people who believed that self-inflicted wounds would evoke repentance and save them from the plague), and photographs of black, rotting fingertips will fascinate kids interested in the macabre. These works have more exposition than dialogue, which may frustrate children used to a more traditional format. Spender and Poluzzi's artwork is very colorful and realistic. The illustrations are remarkably emotional, filled with action and realism. Detailed maps, images of illuminated manuscripts, and sequential art make these titles apt options for primary research for reluctant readers.—Lisa Gieskes, Richland County Public Library, Columbia, SC