Adam Gidwitz, New York Times bestselling author of the Grimm trilogy, spent six years, including a year in Europe, researching his latest book, The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, the Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog. On a dark night in 1242, travelers at an inn tell stories of three children: Jeanne, a peasant girl who has visions of the future; William, a young monk with supernatural strength; and Jacob, a Jewish boy who can heal any wound. They are accompanied by Jeanne’s loyal greyhound, Gwenforte—recently brought back from the dead.
Their adventures take them on a chase through medieval France to escape prejudice and persecution and save precious and holy texts from being burned. They’re taken captive by knights and save the land from a farting dragon, culminating in a final showdown at Mont Saint-Michel.
The Inquisitor’s Tale is a well-researched and engaging adventure sure to delight middle grade readers and older. In a style reminiscent of The Canterbury Tales, Gidwitz provides insightful commentary on the dangers of narrow-mindedness and zealotry that will resonate with modern readers. According to Kirkus Reviews, it is “a masterpiece of storytelling that is addictive and engrossing.”
2:00 p.m.: Embark on a scavenger hunt exploring works of art in the Art and Nature in the Middle Ages exhibition.