by Adam Gidwitz
Illustrated by Hatem Aly
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 27, 2016
A peasant girl who sees the future, a Jewish boy with supernatural healing abilities, and a half-African monk with unnatural strength go on a journey together in 13th century France. Sounds like the beginning of a joke, right? Actually, it’s the plot for Adam Gidwitz’s book THE INQUISITOR'S TALE: OR, THE THREE MAGICAL CHILDREN AND THEIR HOLY DOG. Yes, their holy dog. Did I forget to mention Gwenforte, the loyal greyhound recently back from the dead? The story of Jeanne, Jacob, and William (the peasant girl, Jewish boy, and biracial monk, respectively), is told from multiple points of view as the inquisitor seeks out them and their tale. It is a story of friendship and faith, about doing what you know is right even in the face of danger. Throughout the book, we are reminded that these characters are children in a world that isn’t always kind. Gidwitz manages to include deep messages and heavy material while keeping plenty of humor and lightheartedness. I loved this book and I highly recommend it. Gidwitz’s writing style and the wonderfully human characters, along with the interesting setting of medieval France, make this a thoroughly enjoyable read.
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