Our Middle Ages Unit: Books for Medieval Times
We studied the Middle Ages in history over this past year. We had many books to study for Medieval Times — I chose stacks for each of my children based on their high quality stories and educational value as living books. My son had two categories: “history” and a “historical fiction”. My daughter had a historical fiction stack. We had a family read aloud stack. And I also had a historical fiction stack.
The Charlotte Mason method, known for its emphasis on holistic and child-centered education, truly came to life during our Middle Ages homeschooling unit. We delved into this rich historical period using “living books,” which are well-written, narrative-driven works that engage the imagination and intellect of young readers. Through vivid storytelling and detailed characterizations, these books transported the kids to medieval castles, bustling marketplaces, and the grandeur of royal courts. The children not only absorbed historical facts but also developed a deep emotional connection to the era, fostering a love for history and an appreciation for the lessons it imparts. This approach allowed them to see the Middle Ages not just as a distant time period, but as a dynamic tapestry of human experiences, filled with challenges, triumphs, and enduring legacies.
Let’s take a look at each of our book stacks! (There were also books we tried but didn’t like and I’ll detail those as well!)
History Books about the Vikings and Norsemen
Viking Tales introduces readers to the adventurous world of the Vikings, following the stories of young Norse heroes like Harald and Leif. Through battles, voyages, and the everyday life of a Viking, this book paints a vivid picture of their culture, bravery, and exploration.
Viking Adventure follows Sigurd, a young Viking, on his journey to prove himself as a warrior. With sea voyages, battles, and family honor at stake, this story captures the spirit of Viking adventure and the challenges of growing up in a world driven by strength and courage.
The Viking Unit from Gather Round Homeschool offers an in-depth exploration of Viking history, culture, and daily life, designed for homeschooling families. Paired with a Lapbook Folder, it provides hands-on activities that help students engage creatively while learning about Viking warriors, explorers, and myths.
Leif the Lucky tells the story of Leif Erikson, the famous Norse explorer who discovered new lands, including Vinland. This beautifully illustrated book takes readers on his daring voyage across the Atlantic, showing how his courage and curiosity helped shape history.
Time Traveler offers a unique journey through time, allowing readers to visit different historical eras, including the Viking Age. Through interactive adventures, it teaches about Viking society, customs, and their impact on the world, blending fun and education.
D’Aulaires’ Book of Norwegian Folktales brings to life the traditional stories of Norway, featuring trolls, talking animals, and clever heroes. These charming tales capture the imagination and reflect the rich storytelling heritage of Norwegian culture.
D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths is a beautifully illustrated collection of the epic stories of Norse gods and goddesses, from Odin and Thor to Loki and Freya. The book immerses readers in the dramatic and often humorous world of ancient mythology, providing a window into the beliefs and legends of the Viking people.
Medieval Times Books for Read Alouds as a Family
When Knights Were Bold is a lighthearted exploration of the daily life of knights, castles, medieval games, and food. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with the book, I ended up skipping it because it didn’t delve deeply into the history I was looking for, and I favored A Castle with Many Rooms instead.
Life in a Medieval Castle & Village Coloring Book brings medieval life to a younger audience with detailed illustrations ready to be colored. It offers a visual, hands-on way to engage with the era, allowing kids to imagine daily life in castles and villages while they color scenes of architecture, markets, and people.
Medieval World takes readers on a broad journey through the Middle Ages, exploring different aspects of life in medieval times from politics to culture. It provides a general overview of what the medieval period was like across different regions, making history accessible and engaging for young readers.
Medieval Messenger is a fun and unique take on medieval life, presented as if it were a newspaper from the Middle Ages. Through its humorous “breaking news” format, it shares historical facts about the time period in an entertaining way, making the Middle Ages feel more alive and relatable.
The Illustrated Book of Knights is a richly visual guide to the world of knights, from their armor and battles to their codes of honor. Filled with illustrations, it offers a glimpse into the lives of medieval warriors and their place in history, perfect for readers fascinated by knightly legends.
Castle by David Macaulay beautifully details the construction of a medieval castle, showing how these incredible fortresses were built stone by stone. The book blends technical detail with storytelling, making the architecture and daily life within the castle walls fascinating for all ages.
Cathedral, also by David Macaulay, explores the intricate design and building process of a Gothic cathedral. With stunning illustrations and clear explanations, it reveals the incredible effort and artistry that went into these monumental structures, offering a deep appreciation for medieval craftsmanship.
The Apple and the Arrow tells the story of William Tell and his legendary act of shooting an apple off his son’s head. Set against the backdrop of Swiss rebellion, this story highlights courage and defiance in the face of tyranny, making it an inspiring tale of freedom and justice.
Joan of Arc recounts the life of the young French heroine who led her country to victories during the Hundred Years’ War. Her deep faith, visions, and courage are central to the story, culminating in her tragic yet powerful martyrdom, making Joan an enduring symbol of bravery and conviction.
Middle Ages Literature Books for Middle School
In Robin Hood, the legendary outlaw lives in Sherwood Forest with his band of Merry Men, robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. His bold escapades against the Sheriff of Nottingham make him a hero of justice and fairness, as he defends the downtrodden and stands up for what’s right.
Black Horses for the King follows young Galwyn, who helps bring strong horses from the sea to King Arthur’s army. As he navigates dangerous seas and makes important choices, the story showcases the value of loyalty, bravery, and working together to build something lasting.
In King Arthur, readers dive into the life and legend of Arthur Pendragon, the once and future king, and his knights of the Round Table. From pulling the sword from the stone to leading Camelot, Arthur’s journey is filled with noble deeds, quests, and lessons on honor, friendship, and leadership.
The Door in the Wall is the story of Robin, a noble boy who becomes disabled and must learn to navigate life in a new way. With the help of caring mentors, Robin discovers that even though he can’t walk, he can still be brave and find his place in the world by serving others.
Crispin follows a young boy in medieval England who becomes a fugitive after being wrongfully accused of theft. As he flees, Crispin learns about his mysterious past and discovers the strength to stand up for himself in a world filled with danger and secrets.
In The Great and Terrible Quest, young boy Trad embarks on a perilous journey to help a wounded knight recover his memory and complete a forgotten quest. Together, they travel through dangerous lands, unlocking the secrets of the knight’s mission while learning about friendship and bravery.
The Trumpeter of Krakow follows young Joseph and his family as they flee to Krakow with a mysterious crystal. The story, which you enjoyed together as a family on Audible, is filled with adventure, mystery, and historical intrigue, as Joseph takes on the role of a trumpeter and helps protect a valuable secret.
In The Shakespeare Stealer, Widge, a young orphan, is sent to steal the script of Hamlet from Shakespeare’s theater. As he becomes part of the theater troupe, Widge learns about loyalty, friendship, and his own identity, torn between his mission and the new life he’s come to love.
The King’s Fifth tells the tale of Esteban, a young mapmaker on a Spanish expedition to the New World. When their search for gold turns treacherous, Esteban faces tough choices between loyalty, greed, and his conscience, exploring the consequences of ambition and the cost of discovery.
Middle Ages History Books for Middle School
In Augustine, readers follow the journey of Augustine of Hippo, a man who lived a life full of questions and restlessness before finding peace through his faith. The story of his conversion to Christianity and his influence on early Christian thought is inspiring, especially for those curious about faith and personal transformation.
Son of Charlemagne brings to life the legendary Emperor Charlemagne, who united much of Europe during the Middle Ages. Through his battles and leadership, we see how his reign shaped the course of history, offering lessons on the complexities of power and the role of faith in leadership.
The World of Columbus and Sons provides a detailed look at Christopher Columbus’s life and the world he lived in, from his historic voyages to the broader context of exploration, trade, and politics in the 15th century. This summer read offers a comprehensive view of the explorers who shaped the age of discovery.
Martin Luther tells the story of the man who sparked the Protestant Reformation by challenging the practices of the Catholic Church. His brave stand against corruption and his commitment to scripture reshaped Christianity, making it a fascinating account of conviction and change.
In Fine Print: Johann Gutenberg, readers are introduced to the inventor of the printing press. Through this innovation, Gutenberg revolutionized how knowledge was spread, allowing books, and especially the Bible, to be shared with the masses, forever changing history and education.
Morning Star of the Reformation focuses on John Wycliffe, a key figure who translated the Bible into English and stood up against the corruption in the church. His efforts paved the way for future reformers, and the book highlights the importance of standing for truth, even in the face of opposition.
Artist of the Reformation follows the life of Lucas Cranach, a talented artist who supported Martin Luther and the Reformation through his art. Cranach’s work not only captured religious history but also played a significant role in spreading the ideas of the Reformation through visual storytelling.
The Bible Smuggler tells the courageous story of William Tyndale, who translated the Bible into English and faced great danger for his efforts. This gripping account of faith, bravery, and sacrifice highlights the lengths people went to so that others could read the Bible in their own language.
Middle Ages Historical Fiction Living Books for Upper Elementary
In The Sword in the Tree, a young boy named Shan witnesses his peaceful life torn apart when his uncle tries to seize his family’s castle. With the help of friends and his courage, Shan embarks on a journey to defend his home and uncover the truth about his missing father. This story highlights themes of loyalty, bravery, and the importance of family.
Knights of the Round Table recounts the adventures of King Arthur’s knights as they strive to uphold chivalry, honor, and justice. With famous figures like Sir Lancelot and Sir Gawain, these stories weave together battles, quests, and moments of valor, showcasing the timeless ideals of the Arthurian legend.
In The Minstrel in the Tower, siblings Roger and Alice are left orphaned after their mother falls ill. Following her dying wish, they journey to find their long-lost uncle while facing danger along the way. The discovery of a minstrel’s tower and their courage to overcome hardship make this a tale of family, hope, and resilience.
Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest tells the familiar tale of Robin Hood, an outlaw who robs from the rich to give to the poor. His legendary adventures with his band of Merry Men, including Little John and Friar Tuck, are brought to life in this story of justice, rebellion, and standing up for the oppressed.
The King’s Equal is a clever fairy tale in which a spoiled young prince cannot inherit the throne until he finds a woman who is his equal in wisdom, beauty, and wealth. In this search, the prince learns humility, and the story conveys powerful lessons about inner worth and true leadership.
Castle Diary follows a young boy who becomes a page at a castle and chronicles his daily life as he works in the kitchen and observes the castle’s inner workings. Though the concept is cute, the detailed and slow pacing of his experiences can feel a bit dry, as it mainly focuses on the mundane aspects of medieval life. We didn’t read this one, as there are more engaging books out there.
Catherine Called Birdy and The Midwife’s Apprentice, by Karen Cushman, both offer stark portrayals of medieval life but are marked by a blunt and dry style that detracts from the storytelling. The Midwife’s Apprentice follows a homeless girl’s journey to becoming a midwife, while Catherine Called Birdy explores a young girl’s rebellion against the expectations placed on her. However, both books lack warmth or redemption, making them difficult to enjoy or appreciate fully.
The Door in the Wall tells the story of Robin, a boy of noble birth, who loses the use of his legs and must find his own path to strength and purpose. With the help of caring mentors, Robin discovers that even with limitations, he can still make a difference in the world. The book’s themes of perseverance, courage, and self-worth are timeless.
In The Second Mrs. Gioconda, E.L. Konigsburg offers a fictionalized account of the famous painter Leonardo da Vinci and his assistant Salai. The story explores the mystery behind Leonardo’s painting of the Mona Lisa and delves into themes of art, loyalty, and the complexities of human relationships. It’s a fascinating exploration of historical figures with a creative twist.
Middle Ages Books for Moms
In The Little Duke, young Richard unexpectedly becomes the Duke of Normandy after his father’s death. Though still a child, he must learn the challenges of leadership, balancing justice with mercy while navigating the political turmoil and conflicts of the time.
In Otto of the Silver Hand, Otto, a gentle boy raised in the safety of a monastery, is thrust into a world dominated by knights and war. Despite facing loss and hardship, his peaceful heart remains his greatest strength, helping him to rise above the violence around him.
The Eagle follows Marcus, a Roman officer on a mission to recover the lost golden eagle of a defeated legion. As he ventures into dangerous territory, Marcus discovers the true meaning of loyalty, courage, and the bonds of friendship.
In The Silver Branch, two young Roman Britons, Justin and Flavius, find themselves caught in a web of intrigue when they uncover a conspiracy against the Roman Empire. Together, they must summon their bravery and fight to protect their land from internal enemies and invading forces.
King Otto’s Crown tells the story of King Otto, who embarks on a quirky adventure to recover his missing crown. Along the way, he encounters a host of strange characters and unexpected challenges, learning valuable lessons about his kingdom and himself.
Finally, in The Hidden Treasure of Glastonbury, young Hugh, after his father’s disappearance, seeks refuge at an abbey. There, he stumbles upon a mysterious hidden treasure, leading him on an exciting journey filled with history, faith, and personal discovery.
