Synopsis

Set in 13th Century England, eleven year old Adam, a harp playing son of a traveling minstrel, finds himself on the road to grand adventure. The story begins in the confines of St. Albans Abbey where Adam is staying and studying with his good friend Perkin and his lively red Spaniel Nick. He’s waiting for the return of his father from France, where he has been traveling as a knight’s minstrel. When his father, Roger, returns, Adam takes to the road, apprenticed to his father and the wandering life of a minstrel. Adam’s musical voice and growing grasp of both the harp and storytelling, make him an up and coming minstrel.  All is well until the night a rival minstrel steals Nick and in their hasty pursuit, Adam and Roger are separated. Adam’s story becomes a quest to find both dog and father and carries him across the English countryside and in and out of interesting and sometimes dangerous relationships. Following the breadcrumbs of reports of his father and of a red dog, Adam pursues with unshakable perseverance, a growing sense of himself and a fair amount of courage toward what he hopes will be their eventual reunification.

Review 

 Elizabeth Janet Gray’s Adam of the Road is a fun story that keeps readers on their toes with each turn of an English countryside corner. Adam is a relatable character, likable, brave and someone kids can look up to. He has a growing sense of himself making this a great coming of age story. The book has been praised for its “careful handling of history”.  It seems that Grey is a top notch researcher and brings the 13th century to light accurately. The pace of the story keeps it engaging and the general story telling of the author is great. Characters are well developed and the plot is fun. All in all Adam of the Road is a great story that young and old alike will enjoy.

• Ages: 8 – 99
• Awards: Newberry Book Award (1942)
• Pages: 317
• Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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By Aaron G. Myers