Publisher's Weekly Review
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 styleÄsufficiently different from modern English to evoke a historical setting, but sufficiently familiar to set readers at easeÄPlatt 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 themÄthe 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 volumeÄin spot art, full-bleed and double-page spreadsÄhis 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.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
Eleven-year-old Tobias records his experiences serving as a page. During his first year at Strandborough Castle, Toby goes on a hunt, attends a feast, and helps with the harvest. The text contains interesting details of medieval life, but the diary format serves mainly as a vehicle for supplying historical information. The illustrations reveal both individual character and a broader view of medieval life in detailed double-page spreads. Bib., glos., ind. From HORN BOOK Spring 2000, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Gr. 3^-5. This large-format book, featuring lively, colorful illustrations on every page, is among the most visual of the many historical-fiction diaries recently published. The story takes place in 1285, when 11-year-old Tobias spends a year as a page at his uncle's castle. As Tobias records events and impressions in his journal, readers will learn about the social structure of feudalism as well as life in and around the castle: the stages of training for knighthood, table manners and medical practices of the period, and notable events in Tobias' year. Rewarding observant viewers with dramatic or humorous details of gesture and expression, Chris Riddell's deftly drawn ink-and-watercolor illustrations brighten the pages and complement the lively tone of the text. More than 13 inches tall and 10 inches wide, this oversize book will intrigue the many children attracted by medieval life. --Carolyn Phelan
Library Journal Review
Gr 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 (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
