SQUIRES, TEMPLARS, BATTLES AND THE HOLY GRAIL

The Youngest Templar Keeper of the Grail - Michael Spradlin

After years of living in a monastery, Tristan, becomes a squire to Sir Thomas, a knight off to fight in the Crusades. Being an orphan, he would have to strike out on his own soon anyways, so why not take the Knight up on his offer of what seems like an unbelievably exciting future that would never come his way again.

It seems that all they do is battle and prepare for upcoming battles. But Tristan soon learns that they fight to that special and holiest of religious object, the Grail, safe. As Sir Thomas realizes the fortress will fall into the hands of the enemy, the Saracens,Tristan and his fellow squire are entrusted to secrety take The Grail safely back to England.

Travel from England to the Holy Land with Tristan as he learns the art of fighting, defend his master and begins the most dangerous journey of his life.

For readers 6th and older.

LAUGH A LOT WITH LANCELOT

The only reason Lancelot wants to become a knight is so he can wear a shiny armor and have everyone admire him. Of course he also becomes the best knight and soon everyone wants to fight him and claim that they are better than Sir Lancelot. But Lancelot soon tires of the fights and retires to a life of a hermit until a jealous knight challenges King Arthur's throne and charges Queen Guinevere with treason. Lancelot must come out of retirement and battle to save the queen and kingdom!

This is a fun and light-hearted Arthurian tale retold by the writer of many other previous Arthurian novels for kids. The Adventure Sir Lancelot the Great by Gerald Morris is under 100 pages and perfect for a reluctant reader or one who loves adventures with a big dose of humor. For readers in 3rd - 4th grade.

A new and upcoming series, Knights' Tales.

IN DAYS OF OLD

Eleven-year-old Piers tired of working in his father's blacksmith shop leaves home to to become a knight's page in the adventurous story of PARSIFAL'S PAGE by Gerald Morris. Raised on the tales of his mother's time in the French court he has a very idealized picture of what a real knight is like but after spending time with the clueless Parsifal that is changed. He finds that the road to knighthood is not easy or smooth but nonetheless full of magic and adventure.

This was a Snacktime Reader's selection for January 2007 and was rated an average of 8.5, ten being the highest, by the group.

For grades 4 and older.