To continue our monthly series of book lists for youth, the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library would like to recommend the following titles.
January, 2009 – King Arthur Tales
Christmas in Camelot by Mary Pope Osborne. On Christmas Eve, Jack and Annie's tree house transports them to King Arthur's castle where they undertake a quest to the Otherworld. #29, Magic Tree House series. Grades 2-4. Braille book BR 13975. Cassette book RC 53580.
Camelot edited by Jane Yolen. Eleven authors provide 10 stories and one song about King Arthur. Some are humorous, others tragic, and still others examine historical truths. Grades 3-6. Braille book BR 11494.
Knights of the Round Table adapted by Gwen Gross. Six brief legends about King Arthur and his Knights. Includes: "The Sword in the Stone", "Lancelot", "The Beautiful Witch", "Sir Gawain and the Lady Ragnell", "The Kitchen Knight", and "The Last Battle". Grades 3-6. Braille book BRW 767. Large Print book LP 24171.
Merlin and the Making of the King retold by Margaret Hodges. A retelling of three legends: "The Sword in the Stone," "Excalibur," and "The Lady of the Lake," all featuring King Arthur, his knights, and Merlin the magician. Grades 3-6. Braille book BR 15800.
Passager by Jane Yolen. A young boy struggles to survive after being abandoned in the forest, until finally a falconer captures and tames him. #1, Young Merlin Trilogy. Grades 3-6. Cassette book RC 45620.
The Kitchen Knight: A Tale of King Arthur retold by Margaret Hodges. Sir Gareth embarks on a daring rescue of the lady imprisoned in a tower by the fearsome Red Knight. Grades 4 and up. Cassette book RC 34193.
Tales of King Arthur retold by Rick Riordan. Twelve of the best known King Arthur legends including "The Coming of King Arthur", "Sir Lancelot of the Lake", "The Quest for the Holy Grail", and "The Death of King Arthur". Grades 4 and up. Cassette book RC 32172.
King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Sir Thomas Malory. Thirteen short King Arthur tales. Grades 5 and up. Cassette book RC 50563. Large Print book LP 855.
The World of King Arthur and His Court: People, Places Legend, and Lore by Kevin Crossle-Holland. Includes tales of King Arthur as well as factual information about knights, the Crusades, the Round Table, and heraldry. Grades 5 and up. Cassette book RC 50307.
Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper. On vacation in Cornwall, the three Drew children find a crumbling map that may be linked to the time of King Arthur. Evil and powerful people are determined to acquire it, but luckily their Great Uncle Merry is more than he seems. #1, The Dark is Rising series. Grades 5 and up. Braille book BR 13419. Cassette book RC 45567. Large Print book LP 23225.
Parsifal's Page by Gerald Morris. In the days of King Arthur, 11-year-old Piers becomes page to Parsifal, a rustic youth on a quest for knighthood. Their journey reveals truths about their families and themselves. Grades 5 and up. Cassette book RC 58305.
The Seeing Stone by Kevin Crossley-Holland. In medieval England, a 13-year-old boy named Arthur acquires a magical stone that shows him images of the legendary King Arthur. He finds his life has many parallels to that of the ancient king. #1, Arthur Trilogy. Grades 5 and up. Cassette book RC 55035.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight retold by Michael Morpurgo. A green giant intrudes on a Round Table feast to issue an unusual challenge. Sir Gawain, the king's nephew, courageously accepts. Grades 5 and up. Cassette book RC 59782.
The Squire's Tale by Gerald Morris. Terence leaves the hermit Trevisant to become Gawain's squire. Thus begins an adventure that will eventually reveal his true identity. #1, Squire's Tale series. Grades 5 and up. Cassette book RC 46840.
Black Horses for the King by Anne McCaffrey. Galwyn's gift for languages and handling horses earn him favor with Lord Artos, the future King Arthur. He secures his place at Camelot by introducing iron horseshoes. Grades 6 and up. Cassette book RC 45290.
I am Mordred by Nancy Springer. A pawn of manipulative adults, young Mordred yearns to be recognized by his father, King Arthur, and avoid fulfilling the prophecy that he will be the one to end the King's life. Grades 6 and up. Cassette book RC 46756.
Quest for a King: Searching for the Real King Arthur by Catherine M. Andronik. Drawing together many of the legends and stories, plus the few known facts, the author tires to find the truth behind the myth. Grades 6 and up. Cassette book RC 32973.
The Sword and the Circle by Rosemary Sutcliff. Tells of King Arthur’s rule, his marriage to Guinevere, the magic of Merlin, and the evil of Morgan La Fay. #1, King Arthur series. Grades 6 and up. Cassette book RC 19966.
Sword of the Rightful King: A Novel of King Arthur by Jane Yolen. Merlinnus, a magician, devises a way for King Arthur to prove himself the rightful king of England -- by pulling a sword from a stone. But trouble arises when someone else removes the sword first. Grades 6 and up. Braille book BR 15280.
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain. Classic satire about a 19-century man who, after being transported back to the year 528, attempts to improve conditions in King Arthur's realm by introducing modern inventions and democratic ideas. High school and older readers. Braille book BR 13640. Cassette book RC 52560.
Link to previous Recommended Reads.