The Book of Boy facts for kids
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dustjacket of the 1st (hardcover) edition, illustrated by Ian Schoenherr
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| Author | Catherine Gilbert Murdock |
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| Illustrator | Ian Schoenherr |
| Set in | France and Italy, c.1350 |
| Publisher | Greenwillow Books (imprint of HarperCollins) |
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Publication date
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February 6, 2018 |
| Media type | hc, eBook |
| Pages | 288 |
| Awards | Newbery Honor, 2018 |
| ISBN | 978-0-06-268620-6 |
The Book of Boy is an exciting young adult historical fiction novel. It was written by Catherine Gilbert Murdock and came out in February 2018. The story follows a character named Boy on an amazing journey. He travels with a pilgrim named Secundus. Their goal is to find special items called relics. These relics are connected to Saint Peter. This book was recognized as a Newbery Honor book in January 2019. This means it was one of the best children's books of the year.
Boy's Incredible Journey Begins
Boy is an orphan who works as a goatherd. He lives on a large estate owned by Sir Jacques. One day, he meets a pilgrim named Secundus in the fields. Boy guides Secundus to the manor house. There, Secundus convinces the Cook to let Boy join him. Boy will serve as his helper on a long trip. Their first stop is a big town called Saint-Peter's-Step.
A Mysterious Task and a Secret Quest
As they leave, Secundus ties a strange bundle to Boy's hunchback. He warns Boy not to look inside or run away. If Boy disobeys, Secundus threatens him. On their first night, Secundus tells Boy his real mission. He is looking for seven special relics from Saint Peter. These items include a "Rib tooth thumb shin dust skull tomb." This list shows their journey will end in Rome. Their final destination is the Mother of All the Churches.
Life in the Year 1350
The story takes place in the year 1350. This was a "holy year" for Christians. It was also a time when the Black Death was spreading across Europe. The Black Death was a terrible sickness. Before the story starts, Sir Jacques's wife and three children had already died from it. Boy has faced bullying his whole life. This is because he is an orphan and has a hunchback. He often feels ashamed of being different. However, Boy finds comfort in his special connection with animals. He seems to understand them in a unique way.
