Song of the Sparrow facts for kids
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| Author | Lisa Ann Sandell |
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| Country | United States, Australia, and New Zealand |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Historical novel, adventure novel, young adult novel |
| Publisher | Scholastic Press |
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Publication date
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1 May 2007 |
| Media type | Print (hardback & paperback) |
| Pages | 416 pp (1st HB) |
| ISBN | 0-439-91848-0 (1st HB) |
| OCLC | 84902923 |
| LC Class | PZ7.5.S26 Son 2007 |
| Followed by | Everyone |
Song of the Sparrow is an exciting young adult novel written by Lisa Ann Sandell. It was published in 2007. This book is special because it's written entirely in a poetic, song-like style. The story takes place in Britain during the time known as the Dark Ages. It tells a new version of the classic tale of The Lady of Shalott, a famous character from the legends of King Arthur.
Contents
What is the Story About?
Elaine's New Life in the Camp
The story begins when 8-year-old Elaine of Ascolat faces a terrible tragedy. Her mother is killed by a warrior, and their home on the island of Shalott is burned down. Elaine then goes to live with her two older brothers, Lavain and Tirry, and her father. They join a British army camp.
In the camp, Elaine quickly makes friends with many people. These friends include important figures like Arthur, Lancelot, Tristan, and Gawain. As years pass, Elaine grows into a beautiful 16-year-old girl. She helps the soldiers by doing household tasks and healing their injuries.
Love and Leadership Changes
Elaine falls in love with Lancelot, who was her childhood playmate. Lancelot has become Arthur's most trusted helper. This role becomes even more important when Arthur has to take over as leader. The camp's former leader, Aurelius, is poisoned.
Some of the other leaders are not happy about Arthur being so young. Even though he has experience, they leave the camp. The night Arthur is named the new leader, Lancelot tells Elaine he must leave. He is going to meet Lodengrance. Lancelot is needed at Arthur's round table. Then, the wise Merlin, also known as Taliesin, gives Arthur his official title.
Challenges and New Friendships
Elaine is one of only two women in the camp, the other being Morgan. She sometimes feels a bit out of place. However, she feels special when Lancelot tells her she has grown into a woman. They say goodbye, and soon after, Tristan tells Elaine how he joined the army.
The next day, Elaine pricks her finger while sewing. She sees this as a bad sign and starts to cry. Morgan finds her and comforts her in her tent. Arthur then comes in to talk about a planned attack on the Saxons. He doesn't want to hurt anyone, but he knows it's necessary to protect his people.
Heartbreak and a Prank
A few days later, Lancelot returns from his mission. He brings Lodengrance and his beautiful daughter, Gwynivere. Gwynivere is meant to marry Arthur, but she is not happy about it. Lancelot then tells Elaine that he is in love with Gwynivere. He also says he sees Elaine as just a child, which deeply upsets her.
To make things worse, Gwynivere treats Elaine unkindly. She acts as if she is better than Elaine. To get back at Gwynivere, Elaine and Tristan play a trick. They put a frog in Gwynivere's embroidery bag.
Captured and Escaping Danger
After the prank, Tristan warns Elaine not to follow the men to the Saxon battle. But Elaine doesn't listen and sets off after them. She almost drowns while crossing a river. Soon, Saxon soldiers capture her. Gwynivere, who had also been following Elaine, then appears. The two girls try to fight off their attackers but fail. They are taken as prisoners to the Saxon camp.
Elaine later wakes up to the sound of Arthur's army fighting the Saxons. She talks to Gwynivere about her worries and how she felt foolish. This conversation makes Gwynivere kinder to Elaine. Gwynivere admits her own worries and jealousy. As they spend more time in the camp, they overhear the Saxons planning a surprise attack on Arthur. This makes them decide to escape.
They dig their way out of their prison. Elaine decides to create a distraction so Gwynivere can run off to warn Arthur. Elaine manages to reach the river. Just as she is about to get into a boat to escape, a Saxon arrow hits her chest. She crawls into the boat and floats downstream. She then passes out and is later found by Arthur's men.
Healing and New Beginnings
While Elaine recovers from her wound, Arthur decides to move the camp to Carelon-Usk. This journey is very tiring for Elaine. During this time, many people visit her, including Lancelot. They talk and become friends again. Tristan also visits Elaine and tells her that he has been jealous of Lancelot. He confesses that he is in love with Elaine. This surprises Elaine, and she realizes she loves him too.
When they return to camp, everyone gathers at the round table. Arthur invites them all to start a new life and build a new city with him in that very spot. Elaine and Tristan, Elaine's family, and many of Elaine's friends agree. They stand with Arthur to build their new city and create their freedom in Camelot.
Main Characters in the Story
- Tristan: Tristan is Elaine's friend from the start of the story. He is a handsome, smart, and clever warrior. He eventually becomes Elaine's true love. He is also outgoing and enjoys causing a little mischief.
- Gwynivere: Gwynivere is Arthur's future wife. She is a beautiful, blonde, and graceful lady. She is admired by the soldiers. At first, she is unhappy about marrying Arthur because she loves Lancelot. However, she soon learns that Arthur is her true love. She can sometimes be jealous and focused on her looks, but she becomes Elaine's best friend in the end.
- Tirry: Tirry is Elaine's oldest brother. He is very mature and protective of his sister. He has a closer relationship with Elaine than their younger brother Lavain.
- Lancelot: Lancelot is Arthur's best friend. He was also Elaine's childhood playmate and her first love. He tells Elaine she is beautiful and makes her feel like a grown woman. He loves Gwynivere but cannot be with her. In the middle of the book, he gets upset with Elaine for no clear reason and tries to avoid her.
- Gawain: Gawain is described as a big, blond, and strong man. He is very large and powerful, but also has a kind heart. He is one of Elaine's good friends.
- Merlin: A mysterious and magical hermit. He is the one who declares Arthur the leader of the army. He inspires the men to rebuild their city after the war.
- Morgan: Morgan is Arthur's older sister. She was originally the only other female in the camp besides Elaine. She is beautiful, intelligent, graceful, and strong-minded. She becomes Elaine's close friend and someone she can trust. Morgan also teaches Elaine "The Healing Arts."
- Lavain: Lavain is Elaine's second oldest brother. He is described as "hotheaded and brash" but deeply loves and cares for Elaine. Lavain and Elaine's relationship grows stronger by the end of the book.
- Lodengrance: Lodengrance is Gwynivere's father. He offers his daughter's hand in marriage to Arthur to help him in the war.
- Arthur: Arthur is always on Lancelot's side. He is set to marry Gwynivere and is the leader of the army.
- Elaine: Elaine is a friendly and outgoing person who gets along with all the soldiers. She grows into a beautiful girl. She is bold and courageous. Elaine eventually realizes that Lancelot is not her true love, but Tristan is.
