The Door in the Wall (novel) facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Marguerite de Angeli |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's literature Historical fiction |
| Publisher | Doubleday |
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Publication date
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1949 |
| Media type | Hardback , Paperback & Ebook |
| Pages | 128 pages (first edition, and hardback) |
| ISBN | 0440402832 |
The Door in the Wall is a famous book written by Marguerite de Angeli in 1949. It won the important Newbery Medal in 1950 for being an excellent American children's book.
Contents
The Story of Robin
This story, with pictures drawn by the author, takes place in England long ago during the Middle Ages. A serious sickness, sometimes called the Black Death, was spreading across the country.
Robin's Unexpected Challenge
Young Robin was supposed to leave home to train as a knight, just like his father. But his dreams were put in danger when he suddenly couldn't use his legs. A doctor told Robin that his leg weakness was not from the sickness.
Robin's parents were away, helping the king and queen during a war. The people working in their house left because they were afraid of the sickness. Robin was all alone until Brother Luke, a kind friar, found him. Brother Luke took Robin to St. Mark's, a monastery where he lived, and took care of him.
Learning and Growing
Brother Luke taught Robin many new things. He taught him how to read using the Bible. He also taught Robin how to swim, which was good exercise for his legs. Robin learned to carve wood and how to use crutches that Brother Luke helped him make. These lessons helped Robin become more independent and feel better about himself. From the friar, Robin also learned to be patient and strong. Brother Luke told him that to overcome a challenge, you first need to find "the door in the wall."
A New Journey
Robin's parents had planned for him to live with Sir Peter de Lindsay. There, Robin would become a page, which was the first step to becoming a knight. A musician named John Go-in-the-Wynd brought a letter from Robin's father. The letter told Robin, John, and Brother Luke to travel to Lindsay.
They traveled for many days, facing challenges like almost being robbed and taking a wrong road. But they arrived safely! Sir Peter de Lindsay and his family welcomed Robin warmly. While staying there, Robin did his page duties as best he could. He kept up his reading lessons and swam in the cold river. Inspired by John Go-in-the-Wynd's music, Robin also learned to play the harp. He used his woodworking skills to start making his own harp.
Saving the Castle
Later, Lindsay Castle was surrounded by the Welsh. Because there hadn't been much food grown that year, the castle started to run out of food and water. With Brother Luke's help and encouragement, Robin came up with a secret plan to save the castle. He didn't tell Sir Peter de Lindsay about it.
Robin swam across the chilly river. Then, using his crutches, he walked through the enemy lines. He was disguised as a simple young shepherd. Robin found John Go-in-the-Wynd, who was staying with his elderly mother at the time. John sent a message to Sir Peter de Lindsay's cousin, Sir Hugh. Sir Hugh's soldiers surprised the Welsh attackers and defeated them.
A Hero's Welcome
Later that winter, the King and Queen arrived with their soldiers, along with Robin's parents. They arrived just in time for Christmas Eve. Robin was so happy to be reunited with his parents. He played a Christmas song on his finished harp for the King and Queen. For saving Lindsay Castle, Robin was rewarded for his brave service. His parents told him they loved him even more for his brave spirit than for his physical strength.
