School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2Wroble focuses on the Middle Ages by following the life of a peasant village boy named Simon. Each page-long chapter covers such topics as farming, clothing, village life, working and learning, and the Black Death. Information is neither elaborate nor extensive, but for a first look at the subject, it is acceptable. The layout is pleasing, with large type, and is similar in format to the "New True" series (Children's Press). An odd note, however, is the use of photo reproductions of artwork by 16th-century artists such as Pieter Brueghel to depict medieval peasant life. In addition, there are some minor inaccuracies. Simon is said to wear a surcoat, which is unlikely, for during this period surcoats were generally worn by kings and the wealthy. A flawed effort.Roxanne Burg, Thousand Oaks Library, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
