From Publishers Weekly
The author of Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections: Castle uses a different approach to cover much of the same material in this fictive journal of an 11-year-old boy in the 13th century. Adopting a faux-medieval styleAsufficiently different from modern English to evoke a historical setting, but sufficiently familiar to set readers at easeAPlatt describes a year in the life of Tobias Burgess, a typical English page; he waits on patrons, learns lessons (Latin and the Scriptures, archery, horseback riding, and sword fighting), fights and plays with fellow pages. Tobias's wry observations focus as much on castle events as on his own role within themAthe winter hunt (Tobias misses the kill, and what's more, gets lost on the way back to the castle), the springtime tournament (anxiously awaited, but a huge bore in the actual event), a summer visit from a high-ranked earl, etc. Riddell's (The Swan's Stories) abundant, adeptly detailed pen-and-watercolor illustrations are obviously not intended to pass for Tobias's work. Populating the pages of this oversize volumeAin spot art, full-bleed and double-page spreadsAhis humorously dour characters are an inspired accompaniment to Tobias's less-than-glorious narrative. An informative and amusing introduction to the medieval world. Ages 9-13. (Sept.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
Grade 4-8-In this oversized, wonderfully illustrated diary, Tobias Burgess, an 11-year-old page, describes daily life in a castle during the course of a year. Although the number of incidents he describes (a jousting tournament, a friend being knighted, his own illness that results in bloodletting by a "physician," and others) seems a bit forced in order to capture as much about life in a medieval castle as possible, readers will enjoy the child's language and descriptions. The large format allows for numerous, detailed ink-and-watercolor illustrations. An outstanding section in the back presents additional information and drawings. Not many, if any, children's books on the Middle Ages and castles contain the wealth of information found in this fresh, appealing offering.
Betsy Barnett, Eads School District, CO Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
