Description
What if you could spend a day in the shoes of a child in the middle ages? What would you learn about cultures of the past? On A Medieval Day, part of the On a Day Story Voyages series, uses nine exceptional pieces of historical fiction to give kids just that opportunity. Contrary to the commonly Euro-centric associations of the word “medieval,” On A Medieval Day visits cultures from Japan to Mali and spans nearly 800 years of world history. From Viking explorers and religious persecution in Spain, to medical advances in Baghdad and early ball sports in the Mayan Empire, this book challenges assumptions and enlightens young readers to the complex and fascinating civilizations that have all shaped our world. Told through the eyes of boys and girls aged 12 to 14, kids are able to follow each character through a single day. These stories are further expressed through the commanding portraits painted by artist Peter Ferguson. Each story is further augmented by detailed background pages that use facts, maps and illustrations to bring readers further into this history.
Review Quotes
By covering medieval times outside Europe, this book is a welcome addition to the wealth of books about the Middle Ages.
— Professionally Speaking
Arato's shifting points of view, gender and cultural sensitivity within each chapter, not only provides a good introduction to these countries, but a compassionate story as well...[On a Medieval Day] will inspire an appreciation for the diversity of culture, politics and spiritual traditions of this period.
— Canadian Children's Book News
A gorgeous book to be savored, read aloud, and enjoyed repeatedly.
— Quill & Quire
Smoothly written and sometimes dramatic, the entries offer glimpses of different cultures within well-structured narratives.
— Booklist
I applaud Arato's compilation of varied stories...a refreshing and unique approach that will interest young readers.
— Resource Links
The collection may pique readers' interest in finding out more about some of this realms and eras.
— Kirkus Reviews
Stunning paintings illustrate each chapter and youthful figures provide an instant empathic connection and invitation to contrast life in medieval times to an adolescent's life today.
— The Midwest Book Review
The fast-paced stories make for entertaining reading…a wonderful attempt to expand the usual concept of the medieval world beyond Europe.
— School Library Journal
Arato’s stories provide readers with interesting and unique perspectives on a period of history which is usually described in terms of knights, squires, monks and peasants…a good resource for social studies classes.
— CM Magazine: Canadian Review of Materials
