Black Fox of Lorne facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Marguerite de Angeli |
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| Genre | Historical novel |
| Publisher | Doubleday |
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Publication date
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1956 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
Black Fox of Lorne is an exciting historical novel for young readers, published in 1956. It was written and illustrated by Marguerite de Angeli. This book was recognized as a Newbery Honor Book, which means it's one of the best children's books published that year in the United States.
The story follows two Viking twins in the 10th century. Their adventure begins when they are shipwrecked on the coast of Scotland. They are on a quest to get justice for their father's death. Along their journey, they meet many different people. These include loyal clansmen who are fighting, kind shepherds, powerful land owners called lairds, and strong farmers known as crofters.
Contents
About the Book
Black Fox of Lorne takes readers back in time to a period of history filled with adventure and challenges. It's a great example of a Historical novel, where the story is made up, but the setting and some events are based on real history. The book helps readers imagine what life might have been like in Scotland during the Viking Age.
The Story of the Viking Twins
The main characters are Viking twins who face a difficult situation. After their father is killed, they find themselves shipwrecked far from home. Their journey is all about seeking revenge, but they also learn a lot about loyalty and survival. They meet various groups of people in Scotland. Some are friendly and helpful, like the shepherds. Others are powerful and sometimes dangerous, like the lairds. The book shows how different groups lived and interacted in that time.
Who Was Marguerite de Angeli?
Marguerite de Angeli was a talented American author and illustrator. She was born in 1889 and became famous for her children's books. Her stories often focused on themes of understanding, tolerance, and the lives of different people. She was known for her detailed research, which made her historical novels feel very real.
De Angeli had already won a very important award before Black Fox of Lorne. She received the Newbery Medal in 1950 for her 1949 novel, The Door in the Wall. This award is given each year to the author of the most outstanding contribution to American children's literature. Winning the Newbery Medal showed how much her work was valued. Her books continue to be enjoyed by young readers today.
Setting the Scene: 10th Century Scotland
The story of Black Fox of Lorne happens in Scotland during the 10th century. This was a time when Vikings were exploring and sometimes raiding different parts of Europe. Scotland was made up of many different groups and clans. These groups often had their own leaders and sometimes fought with each other.
The book gives a glimpse into this historical period. It shows how people lived, what their homes were like, and how they interacted. You'll learn about terms like "clansmen," who were members of a family group, and "lairds," who were powerful landowners. "Crofters" were farmers who worked small plots of land. Understanding this setting helps you appreciate the twins' journey even more.
