Scott Farrell Comments:

Being something of an expert on knights and chivalry, I’m often asked for recommendations of books that explore concepts of honor, chivalry and the warriors’ code that are appropriate for children. To help parents and educators alike provide appropriate reading material for young minds, I asked Alida Allison, professor at the Center for the Study of Children’s Literature at the Department of Comparitive Literature of San Diego State University for some guidance. Here is the list of books she recommends for young readers who want stories of honor, heroism and adventure set in the period of the Middle Ages.

---

Click on the title-links below to open a page with book descriptions and reviews at Amazon.com.

• King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table by Barbara Lindsay and Emma Gelders-Stern (ages 4-8)

• Robin Hood by Paul Creswick (with illustrations by N.C. Wyeth) (ages 9-12)

• Assassin: The Lady Grace Mysteries, Book 1 by Patricia Finney (ages 9-12)

• Betrayal: Lady Grace Mysteries, Book 2, by Patricia Finney (ages 9-12)

• Dragonology by Ernest Drake (ages 9-12)

• Golden Tales from the Arabian Nights by Gustaf Tenggren (ages 4-8)

Similarly, Scott Farrell recommends the following books for young readers:

• Favorite Medieval Tales by Mary Pope Osborne (ages 4-8)

• Young Warriors: Stories of Strength by Tamora Pierce (teen/young adult)

The Protector of the Small quartet by Tamora Pierce (teen/young adult)
• First Test
• Page
• Squire
• Lady Knight

• Favorite Norse Myths by Mary Pope Osborne (ages 9-12)

• Knights Castle and Other Books of Knights and Magic by Edward Eager (ages 9-12)

• Dragonling by Jackie French Koller (ages 9-12)

• The Forests of Silence by Emily Rodda (ages 4-8)

• Song of the Lioness* quartet by Tamora Pierce (teen/young adult)

*Out of print, but may be available through used book sellers.

Parents, teachers and students who are looking for stories of medieval knights and chivalry, or for tales of honor and heroism from other cultures might want to check out the recommended reading list at the Parents’ Choice website, which features a variety of book reviews, including several written by Prof. Alida Allison.