Conquests, Conflicts, and Inquisition in Spain

711–1516

For centuries, Spain was a patchwork of kingdoms with shifting rulers, religions, and alliances. Muslim forces conquered much of the peninsula in 711, bringing cultural exchange, while Christian kingdoms gradually claimed territory, culminating in unification in 1492 under Ferdinand and Isabella.

Picture books

Always an Olivia: A Remarkable Family History

Story of a family’s journey after fleeing Inquisition Spain

The Key from Spain: Flory Jagoda and Her Music

Parallel story of a Jewish family fleeing Inquisition Spain and WWII Europe

The Secret Shofar of Barcelona

Story of a converso who helps Spanish Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah

El Cid

Retelling of a 12th century epic poem about the famous warrior

Burning Boats: The Birth of Muslim Spain

Adventure story set in early Muslim Spain

Luis de Torres Sails to Freedom

Story of a Jewish man escaping the Inquisition by joining Columbus' expedition

Doña Gracia Saved Worlds

Inspiring true story of a Jewish women who helped others escape the Inquisition

Chapter books and novels

A Ceiling Made of Eggshells

Moving novel about a Jewish Spanish girl on an adventure

Isabel: Jewel of Castilla, Spain, 1466

Fictional Royal Diary about a young Isabella of Castile

The Apprentice’s Masterpiece: A Story of Medieval Spain

Novel of two teen boys surviving the Spanish Inquisition

Secrets in the House of Delgado

Story of a Spanish girl enlisted as a spy during the Inquisition

A Shout in the Sunshine

Story of two Jewish teen boys, one a refugee from Inquisition Spain

The Last Song

Gripping story of a girl whose world is turned upside down by the Inquisition

Non-fiction books

The Spanish Empire: The Inquisition

Brief introduction to life in Inquisition Spain through the eyes of a Jewish family

Spanish Inquisition

Overview of the Spanish Inquisition

Biographies

Tomas de Torquemada: Architect of Torture During the Spanish Inquisition

Biography of the priest who led the Spanish Inquisition

El Cid

Biography of the priest who led the Spanish Inquisition

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