Introduction to the Medieval World

500 - 1500

The medieval world was a time of cultural, political, and technological growth, with knights, castles, monasteries, explorers, Vikings, and samurai. Societies developed new systems of government, religion, and art while facing challenges like plagues and wars. For books about specific medieval civilizations and cultures, look here and here.

Picture books

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village

Engaging overview of life in a medieval village from many perspectives

A Medieval Feast

Engaging overview of all of the work that went into a medieval king's visit

Marguerite Makes a Book

Gorgeous story of girl's work on an illuminated manuscript

Archers, Alchemists: and 98 Other Medieval Jobs You Might Have Loved or Loathed

Fascinating, accessible intro to medieval jobs and life

It's a Feudal, Feudal World

Brief, engaging overview of the medieval world through infographics

Fashion Rules! A Closer Look at Clothing in the Middle Ages

Engaging intro to medieval social organization via clothing

King Bidgood's in the Bathtub

Witty story about a stubborn imaginary king

Chapter books and novels

Crispin: The Cross of Lead

Gripping story of a boy on an adventure in medieval England

Catherine, Called Birdy

Delightful story about a feisty medieval girl

Adam of the Road

Classic story about the adventures of an apprentice minstral in medieval England

The Midwife's Apprentice

Engaging story of a girl finding her place in medieval England

The Inquisitor's Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog

Best-selling story of three children's journey that weaves in tons of info about medieval life

The Apple and the Arrow

Dramatic retelling of the Swiss legend of William Tell and his resistance to the Habsburgs

Matilda Bone

Humorous story of a convent-raised girl adapting to life in a medieval town

The Sword in the Tree

Gripping story of a boy on an adventure in King Arthur's kingdom

Non-fiction books

Eyewitness Medieval Life

Engaging overview of medieval life, with great photos

Manners And Customs in the Middle Ages

Brief intro to social rules and traditions during the Middle Ages

Activities

Great Medieval Projects: You Can Build Yourself

Excellent hands-on projects about life in medieval Europe

Illuminated Manuscripts Coloring Book

Coloring pages based on real illuminated manuscripts

Build It! Medieval World

Plans for LEGO models of medieval scenes

Medieval Tapestries Coloring Book

Coloring book featuring designs from real medieval tapestries

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