I received a sample for this review/feature. Opinions expressed are my own.
I have always had a special place in my heart for historical fiction that takes place during the middle ages. I only got into them when I was an older teen so they were mostly books written for adults. I was super excited to see a historical fiction book that takes place in the Middle Ages for kids. Castle in Danger by Karen Rita Rautenberg introduces young readers to what it might have been like for youth during that time period. A life where one had to live according to the status they were born into.
Castle in Danger by Karen Rita Rautenberg is a richly evocative historical fiction novel set in the time of the Middle Ages in the 14th Century.
It tells the story of Emma, a very pretty and kind-hearted girl, who lives in a castle with her rich father, Baron Geoffrey. She meets a handsome, young peasant, Thomas, when he saves her from a frightening accident. They become friends and are thrown into many adventures. Thieves try to steal Emma’s and her father Baron Geoffrey’s jewels.?
There is mystery and adventure with battles and a siege in her uncle’s castle and a harrowing journey through the forests and countryside searching for Emma’s missing cousin Helen, as well as personal intrigue and friendship involving the main characters.The story weaves jousting tournaments, town fairs, scrumptious feasts, holidays, Christmas and All Hallow’s Eve, and Medieval traditions.Well-crafted and laden with entertainment and learning value, Castle in Danger is intended for children ages nine to twelve.
Karen Rita Rautenberg worked for over 25 years as a counselor, teacher and social worker. She is currently an author for children’s books. She lives in New York City.
Her previous children’s titles include Ballerina Detective and the Missing Jeweled Tiara, which was the Winner of The iParenting Media Awards, 2010 and the Mom’s Choice Awards for 2010; and Lady Lucy’s Gallant Knight which was her first book set in the middle ages.
This is a quick and easy read and my 6 year old was easily was able to understand what was going on. Emma lives in a castle with her noble father and plenty of servants to do whatever she wants them to. One day Emma almost drowns and is saved by a peasant boy. She gives him a token and says that they will always be friends. The problem is during this time period nobility and peasants do not mingle. This book includes a small taste of everything from that time period including a jousting tournament, knights, feasts and more. A great introductory book to historical fiction of the Middle Ages.
Connect: You can connect with?Karen Rita Rautenberg on her website.
