About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with questions of identity, belonging, or the weight of new responsibilities. It is a perfect fit for the middle schooler who feels like an outsider and needs to see that courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to act in spite of it. Tristan, an orphan raised in an abbey, finds himself thrust into the chaotic world of the Crusades when he becomes a squire to the Knights Templar. Entrusted with the Holy Grail, he must navigate a world where the lines between friend and foe are blurred. While the setting is historical and steeped in adventure, the emotional core is about a boy discovering his own agency. The story explores themes of loyalty, the burden of secrets, and the importance of choosing one's own path rather than following tradition blindly. It is appropriate for ages 10 to 14, offering a fast-paced narrative that balances external action with internal growth. Parents will appreciate the way it elevates the value of integrity and the bonds of found family over social status or birthright.
