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Middle Ages Book List
Saints & Monks, 400 – 1200 AD
Religion in medieval times was very different than today. Create a history lesson on the spiritual devotion and dedication of the middle ages with books on the major saints and monks.
Several of the reading recommendations listed below are simple enough to appeal to all elementary ages. As an adult, I loved them, too, so be sure to share these with older students as well!
c. 270-342: St. Nicholas
Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend by Julie Stiegemeyer, illus. Chris Ellison. Concordia. K-E
Beautiful picture book explaining the kind and gentle historical figure behind Santa Claus.
39?-461: St. Patrick
Saint Patrick by Anne Tombert, ill. Michael Garland. Boyds Mills Press, 1998. E-UE
Story is based on one of St. Patrick's letters. Artwork is by an award-winning illustrator.
St. Patrick's Day by Joyce K. Kessel, illus. Cathy Gilchrist. Carolrhoda Books, 1982. K-E
Told simply, but includes more history than most on this level. Black & white sketch illustrations.
The Story of Saint Patrick by James A. Janda.
484-577: St. Brendan
Brendan the Navigator: A History Mystery About the Discovery of America by Jean Fritz.
521-597: Columcille (or Columba)
Across A Dark & Wild Sea by Don Brown, illus. Roaring Brook Press, 2002. E-UE+
Fascinating picture book about a monk who made a huge impact in his native Ireland during the Dark Ages, and in Scotland as well. Great story; provides insight into the culture. Recommended.
The Man Who Loved Books by Jean Fritz, illus. by Trina S. Hyman. G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1981. E-UE+
Two-color illustrations accompany the story of Columba's entire life, and the telling is based on legend. Fascinating.
597, landed at Kent: St. Augustine
Augustine Came to Kent (Living History Library) by Barbara Willard.
1182-1226: St Francis of Assisi
Francis: The Poor Man of Assisi by Tomie de Paola. Holiday House, 1982. E-UE+
Depicts St. Francis' life of poverty in devotion to God. Dramatizes him as a worker of miracles, to the point that he supernaturally receives Christ's crucifixion wounds in his hands, feet, & sides.
The Road to Damietta by Scott O'Dell. JH-HS
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