The Inquisitor’s Tale

 Novel by Adam Gidwitz.

This was a book unlike anything I’ve read before. It brought the Middle Ages to life, particularly the interactions between the different classes and those of different religious beliefs. It was also hilarious! I love that the book is not illustrated, but instead illuminated as medieval texts were. The message of being friends with people who have differing beliefs and life experiences than your own is a surprisingly current and much needed theme in today’s world.

That said, I do want to give a cautionary note: there are numerous instances of taking the Lord’s name in vain, there is one scene that’s quite gory but also laughable in its absurdity, there is a bit of potty humor, and a running gag involving using the word “ass” to mean both donkey and bottom (which could be problematic in a read-aloud setting, for example). That said, I think it is a book worth reading and discussing with ages 11+.

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