Content: PG (many plague deaths, imprisonment, burning at the stake lightly described)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
Rype is what she is known as now. The only survivor of the plague in a Norwegian village, she is now on a trader’s boat on its way to England. When the plague comes on board and kills the captain, though, Rype and the captain’s son escape to a random shore, rather than waiting to be murdered by the mutinous first mate. Now they must walk their way through a Europe savaged by the plague, hoping to find kind souls to help them along the way.
Rype’s age is not specified, but she is probably 11? 12? Zahler has masterfully tackled a subject that is hard to get students interested in - historical fiction is not an easy sell. I personally loved this and I know other adult readers will also empathize - but you will only have a handful of students who will read it on their own.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
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