WELCOME TO AUSTRALIAN USED HOMESCHOOL BOOKS!
HISTORICAL FICTION - THE VIKINGS & THE MIDDLE AGES
THE VIKINGS & EARLY HISTORY
Picture Books
The Mammoth Hunt (Heather Amery) $3 HB VGC Lovely book showing life in the Stone Age, weapons, food, clothes and caves and cave paintings. Simple text for beginning readers. Fantastic illustrations. 5-9 YO http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mammoth-Hunt-Heather-Amery/dp/0746001584
The Cave Painter Of Lascaux (Roberta Angeletti) $4 HB EC (Ex lib) Anna is on a school trip to the Lascaux cave in the south of France - a mysterious place with prehistoric paintings believed to have been created over 17,000 years ago. Anna gets separated from the class and bumps into a real caveman, one of the artists who painted the pictures. He explains to Anna what life was really like in the Stone Age and how they created the magnificent drawings on the wall. 6-10 YO http://www.amazon.com/Painter-Lascaux-Angeletti-Roberta-Spasso/dp/1562903233
Theseus And The Minotaur (Jules Cashford) $3 HB EC (Ex lib) Illustrated in colour by Daniel de Angeli, a retelling of this hero story of ancient Greece, in which Theseus enters the labyrinth to kill the Minotaur, part god, part beast and part man. Full page illustrations on each double page of the retelling of this famous Greek myth. 7+
Mr. Benn: Gladiator (David McKee) $4 HB EC Mr Benn always visits a costume shop, chooses a costume and goes through a special door. Then he can travel to the era represented by the costume. This time he chooses a gladiator costume...and he is transported to Ancient Rome. But he has forgotten that gladiators fought one another! Great illustrations in the picture book for 5-9 YO http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mr-Benn-Gladiator-David-McKee/dp/1842703722 (Cover slightly different)
Novels
Moon In The River (Vian Smith) $2 HB GC (Ex lib) Prehistoric hut circles recently found on Dartmoor provide the starting point for this exciting story which explores prehistoric life and the mysterious bond between man and his animals in stone age times. 10+
Adventure Game Books “Egyptian Quest” (Herbie Brennan) $3 PB EC Search for hidden treasure, explore the wonders of an Ancient Egyptian city, unravel the mysteries of secret hieroglyphic messages and share a sarcophagus with a mummy. But think twice before you decide in which direction to travel, otherwise you might end up trapped inside a pyramid... forever! The next roll of the dice may be your last! 8-11 YO http://www.amazon.com/Egyptian-Quest-History-Adventure-Game/dp/0753400901
The King Of Egypt (Pam Rushby) $3 PB EC (Ex lib) Meret dreams of learning how to read and write, but in ancient Egypt, girls aren't taught these things. Then Meret meets a very important lady who teaches her that dreams can come true. Lovely pictures. 7 yrs+
The Nile Files “The Scrunchy Scarab” (Philip Wooderson) $3 HB EC (Ex lib) This funny story brings the world of Ancient Egypt to life as you follow the adventures of Ptoni and his Dad up the Nile on their creaky trading boat. 6-9 YO http://www.amazon.co.uk/Scrunchy-Scarab-Nile-Files/dp/074963653X
Tales Of The Greek Heroes (Roger Lancelyn Green) $4 PB VGC (Ex lib) Recounts the origins of the Greek pantheon, the adventures of Perseus, the seven labors of Heracles, and the voyage of Jason and the Argonauts. Roger Lancelyn Green's retellings are among the most accessible, particularly to younger listeners, while retaining the poetic quality of the ancient texts. 9+ http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Greek-Heroes-Ancient-Classics/dp/0140366830
Legions Of The Eagle (Henry Treece) $3 PB GC (Ex lib) The story of a boy who lived at the time of the first real Roman invasion of Britain. Thirteen year old Gwydion is the only son of a lord and warrior of the Belgae. When the Belgae are defeated and his father killed in a battle with the Romans, Gwydion is due to be sold as a slave in the markets. But a kindly centurion takes pity on him and buys him as a companion for his young son. Gwydion goes to live in Lyons. He settles down and is happy there until the plague strikes. 10+ http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/t/henry-treece/legions-of-eagle.htm (Cover art different)
Voyage To Valhalla (Robert Swindells) $2 PB VGC Three children find a long-buried skeleton in a wood and one of them, Davy, has visions from the Viking past, a past in which he himself seems to have a place. What happened in this place so long ago? This is a story of great danger with a stupendous climax. 10+http://www.amazon.co.uk/Voyage-Valhalla-Robert-Swindells/dp/0340590548
The Land The Ravens Found (Naomi Mitchison) $2 PB FC (Tanning) This is a fictionalised account of the vision of a remarkable Viking woman, Aud, and of the early Viking settlements in Iceland which shows the Vikings not just as raiders and fighters, but as farmers with normal domestic lives. Their primitive system of law and order is also covered. 10+ http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/naomi-mitchison/land-ravens-found.htm (Cover different)
Children Of The Vikings (Jonathan Rumbold) $3 PB GC (Tanning) Two Angle children, Elf and Olaf, are captured by Thorfinn Redbeard, dragged aboard a Viking longboat and end up as slaves in Iceland. They find their new life a drudgery and ride off on their master’s sacred horse, Freyfaxi, the penalty for which is death. An erupting volcano threatens their and their master’s life until they rescue Sigurd, their overlord and all is forgiven. 9+
Viking At School (Jeremy Strong) $2 PB EC Sigurd is a 10th century Viking stuck in the 20th century. He is back in Flotby, but not everyone is pleased to see him. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis think that perhaps a short spell at school may teach the Viking some modern manners! 9+ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Viking-at-School-Jeremy-Strong/dp/0140387161
Warrior Scarlet (Rosemary Sutcliff) $4 HB VGC, $3 PB GC (Tanning) In Bronze Age Britain, Drem must overcome the disability of a crippled arm in order to pass his tribe's test of manhood and become a warrior. 10+ http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/rosemary-sutcliff/warrior-scarlet.htm (Cover art different)
The High Deeds Of Finn MacCool (Rosemary Sutcliff) $4 HBDJ EC, $3 PB VGC Based on traditional Irish stories dating back over thousands of years, Rosemary Sutcliff retells the tales of Finn and the grey dog, of Dearmid and Grania, of Oisin - Finn's son- and all the other high deeds of the brotherhood of the Fianna. 10+ http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/rosemary-sutcliff/high-deeds-of-finn-mac-cool.htm (Cover art different)
THE MIDDLE AGES
Picture Books
The Blemyah Stories (William Mayne) $6 PB EC (Ex lib) In words and pictures of rare imaginative power, this book tells the story of a very special year in the life of a medieval priory. Wonderful illustrations and stories give a real insight into medieval monasteries and the lives therein. 7-11 YO http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/william-mayne/blemyah-stories.htm
The Minstrel And The Dragon Pup (Rosemary Sutcliff) $6 HB EC (Ex lib) A wandering minstrel adopts a sweet-natured dragon pup, and his songs flow more easily and more joyful than ever before because he now has something to love. But the companions come to grief when a wicked showman kidnaps the pup to use in his show. The minstrel searches for his beloved dragon while his songs grow sadder. Lovely picture book giving a first look at medieval life. 7-10 YO http://www.alibris.com/booksearch?qwork=4386206&matches=16&author=Sutcliff%2C+Rosemary&browse=1&cm_sp=works*listing*cover
Inigo: The Adventures Of A Saint (Michael Hansen) $5 HB EC Courtier, soldier, knight, pilgrim, servant of the Great King, he was born 500 years ago. The reader goes on an amazing voyage with Iñigo, travelling with him on his life of adventure. By the time of his death, Inigo's band of seven companions had grown to 1000. Today this group, the Society of Jesus, is spread throughout the world. http://www.davidlovellpublishing.com/title.php?isbn=1863550186
Usborne Simple Readers “Black Knight’s Victory” (Heather Amery) $3 HB GC Lovely book showing life in the Middle Ages, castles, tournaments and knights. Simple text for beginning readers. Fantastic illustrations. 5-9 YO http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mammoth-Hunt-Heather-Amery/dp/0746001584 (Same format)
The Knight Who Was Afraid Of The Dark (Barbara Shook Hazen, illustrator Tony Ross) $3 PB FC (Cover creasing) Great picture book about Sir Fred, a brave and popular knight by day, but at night a kee-bumping, heart-thumping coward. Can Sir Fred ever overcome his fear of the dark and win the hand of the fair Lady Wendylyn? 6+ http://www.alibris.com/booksearch?qwork=3570998&matches=19&author=Hazen%2C+Barbara+Shook&browse=1&cm_sp=works*listing*title
Sorochintsy Fair (Nikolai Gogol) $3 HB BRAND NEW This story is based on a traditional Russian country tale about a beautiful young girl who is wooed and won at the Sorochintzy Fair by a dashing suitor who uses the villagers’ and his future father-in-law's superstitions to overcome the obstacles to the hand of his lady love. Something special for lovers of Russian fairy tales set in the medieval era with splendid illustrations by Gennadij Spirin reflecting the Russian spirit. His pictures are miniature marvels of precision and stupendous craftsmanship. They are magnificently rich in detail, painted with the finest strokes. 7-10 YO http://www.alibris.co.uk/search/books/qwork/6210286/used/Sorotchintzy%20Fair
Dick Wittington (Kathleen Lines, illustrator Edward Ardizzone) $3 HB GC (Ex lib) Retells the traditional tale of the poor boy in medieval England who made his fortune through his cat and became Lord Mayor of London. A lovely picture book, great illustrations. 7+
Tales From English History “The Admiral Of The Queen ” (Jean Smithson) $2 PB GC Chapter book for the confident reader. Join John Hawkins, captain of the Solomon as he carries goods for the Queen. 8+
Tales From English History “Turgar And The Sea-Wolf” (Jean Smithson) $2 PB VGC Chapter book for the confident reader. Story is set in a medieval monastery. 8+
Novels
Crispin – The Cross Of Lead (Avi) $5 PB BRAND NEW The awesome story of a young peasant boy in 14th century medieval England. ‘Asta’s son’ is all he’s ever been called and the lack of name is appropriate, because he and his mother were the lowliest of low in the manor farm in which they lived. But the 13 year old who thought he had little to lose soon finds himself with even less – no home, no family and no possessions except his mother’s cross of lead. WINNER OF THE NEWBERY MEDAL 10+ Our family has thoroughly enjoyed this captivating tale! http://www.kidsreads.com/reviews/0786808284.asp
The Knight And The Squire (Terry Jones) $6 PB EC In a small village in 14th-century England, a bright young boy named Tom is restless. Tired of studying and digging ditches, he dreams of noble crusades in far-off lands. He decides that he must have his freedom and flees to the forest to elude pursuers. There he meets the terrifying Wolfman, who becomes an unexpected friend. Throughout his eventful journey, Tom encounters a colourful assortment of characters, but none more lively than Alan, who leads them both to France to fight for king and country. With its non-stop adventure and marvellous humour, readers will be turning the pages as quickly as they can to follow Tom and Alan through ambush and skirmish, battle and siege. Terry Jones is a former member of the legendary Monty Python group. 10+ http://www.amazon.com/Knight-Squire-Terry-Jones/dp/1862050449/ref=pd_sim_b_img_1
Catherine Called Birdy (Karen Cushman) $6 PB VGC, $5 PB FC This unusual book provides an insider's look at the life of Birdy, 14, the daughter of a minor English nobleman. The year is 1290 and the vehicle for storytelling is the girl's witty, irreverent diary. She looks with a clear and critical eye upon the world around her, telling of the people she knows and of the daily events in her small manor house. Much of Birdy's energy is consumed by avoiding the various suitors her father chooses for her to marry. She sends them all packing with assorted ruses until she is almost wed to an older, unattractive man she refers to as Shaggy Beard. In the process of telling the routines of her young life, Birdy lays before readers a feast of details about medieval England. The book is rich with information about the food, dress, religious beliefs, manners, health, medical practices, and sanitary habits (or lack thereof) of the people of her day. From the number of fleas she kills in an evening to her herbal medicines laced with urine, Birdy reveals fascinating facts about her time period. A feminist far ahead of her time, she is both believable and lovable. A somewhat philosophical afterword discusses the mind set of medieval people and concludes with a list of books to consult for further information about the period. Superb historical fiction. 10+ http://www.amazon.com/Catherine-Called-Birdy-Trophy-Newbery/dp/0064405842
The Witch’s Brat (Rosemary Sutcliff) $4 PB GC (Ex lib) Written by the winner of the Carnegie Medal and the Other Award, this is a historical novel set in 12th-century England. Lovel's grandmother is a wise woman and a healer, though the villagers suspect her of being a witch. When she dies, Lovel is driven out and takes refuge with the monks. The knowledge of herbs and healing that once prompted the villagers to stone him out of town eventually becomes the salvation for this crippled boy in twelfth-century England. DEFINITELY NOT ABOUT WITCHES! 11+ http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/rosemary-sutcliff/witchs-brat.htm
Ransom For A Knight (Barbara Leonie Picard) $5 HBDJ GC (Older treasure, scribble on endpaper) In 14th-century England, Alys de Renneville sits alone in the loft of her manor house mourning her father and brother who are thought to have been killed in battle in Scotland. Late one evening, a strange knight appears and tells Alys that her father and brother are alive and being held for ransom by the Scots. When no one believes her story, she sets off secretly to rescue them herself. Traveling on horseback across the lush countryside and dense cities of medieval England, Alys is accompanied only by her friend and servant, Hugh. Alys and Hugh show great courage and determination, but the journey is arduous and they encounter many delays and hardships along the way. Will they reach Scotland in time to save Alys’s father and brother? 11+ SHORTLISTED FOR THE CARNEGIE MEDAL http://www.buy.com/prod/ransom-for-a-knight/q/loc/106/206522167.html (Cover different)
In The Time Of The Bells (Maria Gripe) $6 HBDJ VGC Although the soothsayers have tried to ignore it, a young king and his whipping boy sense a force that directs their future. WINNER OF THE HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN MEDAL. 11+ http://www.amazon.com/time-bells-Maria-Gripe/dp/0440040140
Hammer For Princes: A Novel Of England In The Days Of King Stephen (Cecilia Holland) $5 HBDJ GC (Light tanning) Hammer for Princes is set in England in the middle of the twelfth century, a country laid waste by a long and inconclusive civil war: on the one hand King Stephen, and against him the strongest of the nobility and the young Prince Henry Plantagenet, their candidate for the throne. Fulk, Earl of Stafford, is Prince Henry's man, and for him the public and political decision is easier to face than the complexities within his own family. Here he must come to terms with his own son, Rannulf, and combat the murderous jealousy of a cousin, ambitious for the earldom. Through the quicksands of twelfth-century power politics, through forced march and siege, tournament and ambush, through hunt and parley, Cecelia Holland brings medieval England fiercely and vibrantly to life. 12+ http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/cecelia-holland/hammer-for-princes.htm (Cover different)
The Talisman (John Kennett) $4 HB GC (Older treasure)
Adam Of The Road (Elizabeth Jane Gray) $6 PB GC Eleven-year-old Adam loved to travel through the open roads of thirteenth-century England with his father, a wandering minstrel, and his red spaniel, Nick. But when his father suddenly disappears and Nick is stolen, Adam finds himself alone searching these same roads filled with rich merchants, pilgrims with cockleshells upon their hats, farming folk driving pigs to the fair, minstrels and priests, saints and thieves—and somewhere in the crowd his father and his dog. 10+WINNER OF THE NEWBERY MEDAL http://www.exodusbooks.com/details.aspx?ID=2230
Fire, Bed & Bone (Henrietta Branford) $6 PB VGC (Ex lib) England's peasants are tired of the hardship and injustice they suffer at the hands of the harsh landlords. Rebellion is in the air, bringing dramatic and violent upheaval to the lives of families like Rufus, Comfort and their children - and even to dogs, like the old hunting bitch, who is the narrator of this unforgettable tale. 11+ WINNER OF THE GUARDIAN CHILDREN’S FICTION PRIZE http://www.henriettabranford.co.uk/BooksReviews/FireBedBone/FireBedBone.html
The Peace Child (Ann Phillips) $6 HB EC Set in tumultous 14th-Century England, this is the story of a blood feud between the Butler and Castell families. As a method of bringing an end to their dissension, the families agree to an exchange of children at birth to ensure peace between them. From this unlikely premise, Phillips has crafted the fast-moving adventures of ten-year-old Alys, who discovers that she is the ``Peace Child,'' exchanged by her noble city-dwelling family at birth with the child of their landed gentry rivals. Upon absorbing this astounding news, Alys sets off to London to find her real parents and siblings, encountering a varied cast of thieves, beggars, pilgrims, and minstrels on the way. Alys makes several trips between the families during the course of the story and must deal with crises such as the Great Plague and the Peasants' Revolt. 10+ Highly recommended!
What Happened In Hamelin (Gloria Skurzynski) $6 HBDJ VGC A novel of the Pied Piper legend told from the standpoint of a 14-year-old baker's assistant who dreams of freedom from his harsh medieval life and of a new life with the piper. 10+ Highly recommended! http://www.alibris.com/search/books/isbn/0590076256
Pagan’s Crusade $5 PB GC Down on his luck and kicked in the pants one too many times, Pagan Kidrouk arrives on the doorstep of the Templar Knights in medieval Jerusalem, looking for work as a squire. Expecting only a respite from life on the street and a few square meals, the sixteen-year-old finds himself hard at work for Lord Roland de Bram — a not-so-exciting life of polishing Lord Roland's armour, laundering his garments, and even training to fight by his side. But as the Infidel Saladin leads his army to Jerusalem, it becomes more and more difficult for Pagan and Lord Roland to decide what action to take or whom to trust. Is a bloody battle for control of the Holy City inevitable?. 11+ Recommended! http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/catherine-jinks/pagans-crusade.htm
Pagan’s Vows (Book 3 in the series) $6 PB EC (High quality publication) Pagan and his noble lord Roland become novices at the Abbey of St. Martin, where they will prepare to learn the twelve steps of humility and take the oath of obedience. Pagan discovers just how corrupt and dangerous life in a monastery can be. 11+ http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/j/catherine-jinks/pagan-s-vows.htm
Anna Of Byzantium (Tracy Barrett) $5 PB EC In the eleventh century, the teenage princess Anna Comnena fights for her birthright, the throne to the Byzantine Empire, which she fears will be taken from her by her younger brother, John, because he is a boy. In this novel, Anna tells her own story, looking back on her former life from the convent to which she has been banished. 11+ http://www.amazon.com/Anna-Byzantium-Tracy-Barrett/dp/product-description/0440415365
The Midwife’s Apprentice (Karen Cushman) $5 PB EC, $3 PB GC (Minor cover wear , light tanning) In medieval England, a nameless, homeless girl is taken in by a sharp-tempered midwife, and in spite of obstacles and hardship, eventually gains the three things she most wants: a full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world.…….NEWBERY MEDAL. 10+ http://www.amazon.com/Midwifes-Apprentice-Karen-Cushman/dp/006440630X
Eagle Boy (Rodney Bennett) $3 HB EC When the anger of the hungry villagers is turned toward the woodcutter's club footed son, the lame boy runs away and finds freedom in his relationship with the eagle that befriends him. Stephan, lame since birth and mute, is befriended by a golden eagle which finds him in the cave where his parents hid him when his life was endangered by a rumour that his infirmities marked him as a child of the devil and thus responsible for widespread crop failures in their medieval village. Life in the eyrie is risky but free, and in sharp contrast to the poverty-stricken life of the village. Stephan grows strong, and becomes like the great bird, wild and untamed as they fly together over the mountains. When he outgrows the nest, he is left with a kindly hermit who tries to civilize him and teach him to speak. Although he has no memory of his parents, he returns to the village to help them when he learns they are in danger. With the eagle's help, he saves his father's life. 10+
The Forestwife (Theresa Tomlinson) $4 PB VGC It is the reign of Richard The Lionheart and a 15 year old girl flees the comfort of a medieval manor house to escape marriage to an elderly widower who had rotten black stumps of teeth and smelt of sour ale and saddle grease. Mary learns how to find shelter, food and even medicine deep in the woods, even though it is a harsh life. 10+ http://www.theresatomlinson.com/forestwife.htm (Cover art different)
The Baron’s Hostage (Geoffrey Trease) $3 PB VGC (Tanning) As Prince Edward is being held prisoner by Simon de Montfort, his page Michael becomes involved in an attempt to free the Prince. A courageous and adventurous lady in waiting aids his plan. 10+ http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/t/geoffrey-trease/barons-hostage.htm
Mattimeo: A Tale Of Redwall $4 PB VGC (Ex lib) Slagar the Fox is determined to vanquish peaceable Redwall. Gathering his mercenary band of rats, stoats, and weasels, he advances upon the abbey with a cunning scheme-rather than making courageous battle plans, he will steal the children of Redwall from under their parents' very noses. And his prize captive will be Mattimeo, the headstrong young son of Matthias, the fearless mouse warrior! A great adventure! 10+ http://www.amazon.com/Mattimeo-Tale-Redwall-Brian-Jacques/dp/0441006108 (Cover art different)