Big John's Secret

By Eleanore M. Jewett

Book Overview

It is 1218 and 16-year-old John, squire to Sir Alwyn, is faced with a momentous decision. His greatest longing is to find the father whose name and person he has never known, but who is rumored to be alive. John has arrived in the Holy Land at the time of the 5th Crusade to carry out this search. After battle, capture and setbacks, John is drawn to the remarkable friar whose joyful faith may not only bring a solution to his difficulties, but immediately touches the heart of a lonely boy on the brink of manhood. Book jacket.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670162574
• ISBN13: 9780670162574
• Release Date: November 1962
• Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Mercy and Brotherhood Prevail in Story of Crusades

"Big John" is a 12-year-old boy living as a serf in 13th century England, but with a mysterious past understood only by Old Marm, who teaches him lessons and courtly behavior secretly when no one is around. As his past becomes clearer to him, he sets out with knights on the 5th Crusade as a squire - but largely in hopes of finding his lost father. Amidst various adventures and misfortunes, John's path crosses with none other than St. Francis of Assisi and intertwined with a true piece of history involving a visit to the fierce ruler of the Saracens. An interesting and engaging story for middle-school children - especially 5th to 8th grade. It offers a surprisingly balanced view of the Crusades as well as beautiful themes of faithfulness and forgiveness.