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Animal history stories

The Plantagenets

1154 – 1485

The Plantagenet dynasty was marked by significant events and figures. Henry of Anjou, later Henry II, and his queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine (more here), were central to the dynasty’s power. Their sons included Richard the Lionheart (more here) and King John, who famously signed the Magna Carta in 1215, limiting royal power and laying the groundwork for modern democracy. The era also produced iconic literature such as Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and the enduring tales of Robin Hood, reflecting the vibrant culture and turbulent politics of the time.

Picture books

The Adventures of Robin Hood

Engaging, comic-book-style retelling of the Robin Hood stories

Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales

Comic-book-style retelling of the Canterbury Tales, suitable for young readers

Rupert’s Parchment: Story of Magna Carta

Story of the Magna Carta through the eyes of a young boy

Magnus Carter: A Fable About Justice and Liberty

Lovely introduction to the Magna Carta, suitable for the youngest readers

Chapter books

A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver

Outstanding narrative introduction to Eleanor of Aquitaine

If All the Swords in England: A Story of Thomas Becket

Novel of a young boy serving Thomas Becket

Canterbury Tales

Excellent retelling of four of the Canterbury Tales for middle-grade readers

The Adventures of Robin Hood

Classic retelling of the Robin Hood stories for middle-grade readers

Longbow

Gripping story of a boy's adventures in King Richard II's England

Lost Baron: A Story of England in the Year 1200

Story of a boy solving a castle mystery during King John's reign

A March on London

Adventure story set in Richard II’s early reign

Non-fiction books

The Magna Carta: Cornerstone of the Constitution

Introduction to the Magna Carta and how it influenced American founding documents

King John and Magna Carta

Story of King John and the Magna Carta

Biographies

Queen Eleanor: Independent Spirit of the Medieval World

Biography of Queen Eleanor for middle- to upper-grade readers

Thomas Becket: English Saint and Martyr

Biography of Thomas Becket and his fight with Henry II

History VIPs: King John

Accessible biography of King John and his times

Eleanor of Aquitaine and the High Middle Ages

Queen Eleanor and her medieval context

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