Big John's Secret (Living History Library) [Paperback]

Eleanore M. Jewett (Author), Frederick T. Chapman (Illustrator)

Book Description

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

Mystery surrounds the young peasant boy known as Big John. Raised during the strife-filled days of the reign of King John of England, his life is one day changed when a knight says, in passing, “You remind me of someone—someone I once knew and loved.” It is from “Old Marm,” the herb woman, that John understands that injustice has been done his family. Though never telling him the family name lest he unwittingly betray himself, she does all she can to prepare him to one day reclaim his name and family honor. Then Old Marm dies, and John is left without a clue to his identity. In the next years John’s unusual size and strength and the knowledge he has gained of letters and of the art of healing earn him a place as page to an earl organizing the 5th Crusade. In the Holy Land John searches for a father he hopes is living still. Amidst battle, capture and setbacks, John—now a squire to a Knight Hospitaller—encounters Francis of Assisi, who had come to the Holy Land just at this time to preach the Gospel to the Saracens. It is another meeting that changes the course of Big John’s life. .

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 207 pages
• Publisher: Bethlehem Books; 2nd edition (April 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883937892
• ISBN-13: 978-1883937898
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #199,539 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #65 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Historical Fiction > Medieval

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mercy and Brotherhood Prevail in Story of Crusades, May 21, 2005

By 

A. VanHecke "Love2learn Mom" (Milwaukee, WI) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Big John's Secret (Living History Library) (Paperback)

"Big John" is a 12-year-old boy living as a serf in 13th century England, but with a mysterious past understood only by Old Marm, who teaches him lessons and courtly behavior secretly when no one is around. As his past becomes clearer to him, he sets out with knights on the 5th Crusade as a squire - but largely in hopes of finding his lost father.

Amidst various adventures and misfortunes, John's path crosses with none other than St. Francis of Assisi and intertwined with a true piece of history involving a visit to the fierce ruler of the Saracens.

An interesting and engaging story for middle-school children - especially 5th to 8th grade. It offers a surprisingly balanced view of the Crusades as well as beautiful themes of faithfulness and forgiveness.