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2002
finalists.

2002 Hackmatack

Children's Choice Book Award/Prix littéraire - le choix de jeunes

Shelley Tanaka has again provided a fascinating and informative look into a special time in history, this time the Middle Ages. We meet young William Marshal, whose life is spared by the King, his father's enemy. This is a true story, and we follow William as he goes through the rigorous training required of all young men who seek to be knights. Once knighted, William quickly distinguishes himself in battle and goes on to even more success in jousting tournaments. He becomes teacher and protector to Prince Henry - heir to the English throne - eventually travels to the Crusades on one of his greatest missions.

This book is filled with beautiful full-colour paintings as well as reproductions of Medieval art and artifacts which bring the era to life. Besides William's story, side panels give information on such topics as feudalism, armour, tournaments, heraldry and much more.

Readers 9 and up will enjoy dipping into this exciting period in history and following the story of a brave young man. A fine addition to the I Was There series.