How to Be a Medieval Knight

How to Be

by Fiona Macdonald

Are your estates in order? Can you recite poetry, or sing, or play a lute? Have you had your hair cut, squire? Are you sitting comfortably in all that armor? Will you perform your duties with honor and chivalry? Are you really worthy of pursuing your destiny as a knight of olde, among the elite of medieval society in status and wealth? You know you are! So arise, Sir Reader, and go forth and nobly answer your calling.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Reference, Picture Books

Hardcover

First published September 1, 2004

About the author

Fiona Macdonald studied history at Cambridge University and at the University of East Anglia. She has taught in schools, adult education and university, and is the author of numerous books for children on historical topics.

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Non-fiction - history
For 2nd-6th grade

The job of a medieval knight is outlined in text and illustrations, giving an overview of knighthood and including many details about the hardships and thrills of the life.

"Knights Needed," begins the introduction, and readers are swept into the world of medieval knighthood, from arms and armor to training to life in peacetime. The format is reminiscent of the Eyewitness books, with many small chunks of text, often in conjunction with an illustration, although this is more text-heavy. It's chock-full of details and fairly thorough, eschewing glamor in favor of emphasizing hard work and tough fighters. Despite the format, the pages never feel cluttered, and readers interested in the topic won't notice the fairly lack-luster illustrations. Includes a table of contents, glossary, index, and even a quiz to test whether the reader would be up for the job.

School Library Journal's review of the "How to be..." series mentions a smattering of the topics covered, giving a feel for the breadth of the titles, and emphasizes the high-interest topic and format.

[Abraham Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read about medieval knights and their times!

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction about knights for children, but too basic for adult readers. Regardless, I like the illustrations.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairly balanced and realistic portrayal of the life of a medieval knight in images, diagrams and short, informative passages of text. It doesn't shy away from the less romantic details, including the smells of the armour, the primitive ways of treating wounds, the importance of wealth and rank, the distinct roles for males and females, and the power held by the Christian Church at this time... without labouring these points but stating it as it was. These details are balanced by the many more neutral customs and traditions, food and occasions, and even sporting and town-life events. Reviewed for www.GoodReadingGuide.com

[Noah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an informative non-fiction picture book that is suitable for grades 5-8. This book takes a chronological walk through the history of knights. It highlights the many different characteristics and duties of knights with illustrations. This books has themes of history, war and community. I would rate this book 4 out of 5 because of the great illustrations and information.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

We learned a lot from this book. (Even those of us who didn't really care to, :-))