Life in thirteenth century England comes alive for young readers in Elizabeth Janet Gray's artfully told Newbery Medal winner, Adam of the Road. It is the tale of a minstrel boy's search for the father from whom he has been separated and his beloved dog who has been stolen. Readers of twelve to fourteen will be drawn to Adam's love for his father and his dog. His long journey, which is made up of one trouble and adventure after another, is pure entertainment.

The road, Adam's father has told him, is home to the minstrel, and it is in this home that Adam matures. At every stop along the way he makes new friends, faces challenges and disappointments and learns something about himself. His resourcefulness and bravery are tested many times - he is even responsible for the capture of a robber-knight. He learns to be generous and grateful, and comes to grips with his greatest fault: his bragging. Adam's quest takes him across the towns and countryside of southern England where he meets all manner of people: rich and poor, refined and rough. Toward the end of his journey he can say that the road is home because "most people are kind," and it is because of their help that he succeeds.

Margaret Hannon is a homeschooling mother.  She and her husband live in Bolton, MA with five of their eight children

This article is published by Margaret Hannon and MercatorNet under a Creative Commons licence. You may republish it or translate it free of charge with attribution for non-commercial purposes following these guidelines. If you teach at a university we ask that your department make a donation. Commercial media must contact us for permission and fees. Some articles on this site are published under different terms.