1100 – 1400
During the medieval period, knights and castles were central to European life. Legends of King Arthur and his Round Table captured the imagination with tales of bravery and honor. Castles, with their towering walls and moats, served as both fortresses and homes for the nobility. Knights, trained from a young age in the code of chivalry, were celebrated for their skills in combat and their dedication to protecting their realms and upholding justice.
Picture books
Illustrated Tales of King Arthur
Illustrated King Arthur stories for the youngest readers on up
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The Hawk of the Castle: A Story of Medieval Falconry
Medieval falconry through the eyes of a young girl and her father
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A Medieval Feast
Award-winning introduction to medieval castle life, via preparation for a feast
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Saint George and the Dragon
Award-winning retelling of a fairy tale, gorgeously illustrated
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St. Conrad and the Wildfire
Engaging story about a nobleman-turned-saint
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The Kitchen Knight: A Tale of King Arthur
Gorgeous retelling of a King Arthur tale
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Merlin and the Making of the King
Beautiful retelling of four King Arthur tales
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The Making of a Knight
Story of a young boy’s journey to knighthood
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A Year in a Castle (Time Goes By)
Cross-section of life in a castle across eight events
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Chapter books
Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess
Excellent description of day-to-day castle life through the eyes of a boy
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Knights of the Round Table (Stepping Stones)
Early reader version of the King Arthur stories
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The Secret Diary of John Drawbridge, a Medieval Knight in Training
Fictional diary from a boy training to be a knight
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Knight: A Noble Guide for Young Squire
Picture book how-to guide for becoming a knight
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Non-fiction books
What Are Castles and Knights?
Detailed, comprehensive intro to castles and knights
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Eyewitness Castle
Comprehensive reference about castles with great photos
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Eyewitness Knight
Comprehensive reference about medieval knights with great photos
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You Wouldn’t Want to be a Medieval Knight!
Humorous, informative look at medieval knights
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Castle
Beautifully detailed exploration of castle building and use
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Stephen Biesty’s Cross-Sections: Castle
Amazing cross-section illustrations of a castle
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The Illustrated Book of Knights
Very informative intro to life as a knight
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You Wouldn’t Want to Be in a Medieval Dungeon!
Humorous, informative look at medieval dungeons
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Horrible Histories Special: Dark Knights and Dingy Castles
Playful introduction to the dark side of knights and castles
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