The Inquisitor’s Tale, Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog

Written by Adam Gidwitz, Illustrated by Hatem Aly

The way this story is told is delightful – many people telling one adventurous tale. Gidwitz does a good job giving each narrator a different voice so it actually feels like you are listening to different people. The three children each have hardships, but also have special talents, so they don’t come off as victims. The 1200’s weren’t easy times for most people and I worried that the mood of the book might be too heavy to be enjoyable, but Gidwitz’s addition of humor and love makes the story enjoyable. Hatem Aly’s illustrations are wonderful and add to the medieval feel of the book. Though 5th and 6th graders may like the story, there are a few brutal scenes, like when William attacks a forest gang. It is a bit disturbing. So I would recommend it mostly for Jr. High and up. I also agree with other reviews that though I found the changing from one narrator to another enjoyable, it does slow the story down a bit and it might be hard for some students to stick with it. Those who stick with it will be well rewarded.

Review by Teresa Edmunds, Westbrook Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: 6-9

The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog
Written by Adam Gidwitz, Illustrated by Hatem Aly
Dutton Children’s Books
363 pages
Release Date: September 27, 2016
A review copy was provided by the publisher.

Tags:

2016 Middle Grade Fiction, Adam Gidwitz, Adventure Fiction, Dogs Fiction, France Fiction, Friendship Fiction, Hatem Aly, Historical Fiction, Illustrated Fiction, Jews Fiction, Medieval Fiction, Monasticism Fiction, Persecution Fiction, Prophets Fiction, Quests Fiction, Religious Fiction, Sacrifice Fiction, Teresa Edmunds, The Inquisitor's Tale