Beorn the Proud (Living History Library) [Paperback]

Madeleine A. Polland (Author), Joan Coppa Drennen (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Living History Library

Two cultures, two faiths, struggle against each other in this exciting story by Madeleine Polland. You can almost hear the clash of arms and taste the Great Hall feasts in this authentic recreation of 9th century Europe, when Viking raiders ravaged the coasts of Ireland. Amid the battles and shipwrecks and deeds of bravery and treachery, twelve-year-old Beorn learns Christian humility from his young captive, Ness, the daughter of an Irish chieftain.

Illustrated by Joan Coppa Drennen.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 185 pages
• Publisher: Bethlehem Books (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883937086
• ISBN-13: 978-1883937089
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #359,655 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Historical fiction for homeschoolers, May 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Beorn the Proud (Living History Library) (Paperback)

I thoroughly enjoyed this story set in the 9th century ofIreland. The main characters are Beorn, 12 year old son of a Vikingsea king, and Ness, a young Irish girl who has just witnessed the raiding of her village by the Vikings. Ness is taken captive by Beorn and is forced to go to Denmark with the Vikings. The contrast between the gentle irish farmers and the proud and cruel Vikings is great, but we also see the courage of both races as the two slowly become friends. Ness' christian faith shines amidst the turmoil of constant raiding and plundering. The living conditions of the Irish and the Danes are seen and hints of the influence of Norse history. It is easy to care about Ness, but Madeleine Pollands skillful writing made me start to care about Beorn also. Exciting, inspiring, historical and good literature make this book a good resource for homeschoolers.

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring adventure story, July 6, 2001

By 

S. Robinson "Scouter, Rocketeer, Baker, & Dut... (TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beorn the Proud (Living History Library) (Paperback)

This is an exciting adventure story that keeps the reader's interest while modeling values without being preachy. My eight-year-old just finished this as part of our Viking studies. He enjoyed it greatly and would read us his favorite passages. I found the historical elements complemented what we had already learned from non-fiction. While this type book is generally what would be considered a "boys' books", the presence of a strong major female character might make this book more appealing to some of the girls than other stories of this genre. Ness is in the midst of the action, and exhibits courage, intelligence, and compassion. These and other virtues are shown in the characters as traits worthy to develop. Specifically, Beorn learns the dangers of pride and how a Viking chief can be both gentle and strong. A great book - I highly recommend.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Life of Vikings, December 28, 2004

By 

CD "devotedmomof7" (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beorn the Proud (Living History Library) (Paperback)

This adventure is told through the eyes of a 9th century Irish girl, Ness, who is kidnapped by a Viking Sea-Captain's son after the raid of their village. She gradually becomes friends with him after the two struggle to learn of the differences in one another's cultures. Tenacious Ness and prideful Beorn provide entertaining dialogue! While it is not challenging to convince a young man to read exciting Viking adventures, this book was equally enjoyed by my daughter.