The Boy Book

In 1350, a hunchbacked orphan known only as Boy is recruited by a grumpy pilgrim named Secundus to help collect the 'Seven Relics of Saint Peter.' As they travel toward Rome, Boy proves to have a miraculous connection with animals and a heart of pure kindness. However, Secundus is carrying a dark secret, and Boy is hiding his own true nature beneath his tunic. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book handles historical tragedy (the Black Death) with a mix of gritty realism and metaphorical wonder. The approach to religion is central but feels more like a medieval adventure than a sermon. The resolution is artistically ambiguous, focusing on the internal acceptance of one's nature rather than a 'cure.' EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins in a place of heavy shame and physical abuse but quickly transitions into a high-stakes quest. It builds toward a revelatory and ethereal conclusion that shifts from historical fiction into something more akin to a theological fantasy. IDEAL READER: A thoughtful 10-year-old who enjoys stories about overcoming adversity and finding strength in unexpected places. PARENT TRIGGER: There are moments of intense bullying and threats of violence from Secundus, as well as the dark reality of the plague. PARENT PREP: Parents should be ready to discuss the ending, which some younger readers find confusing. It requires a conversation about why Boy feels he needs to hide his miraculous abilities and whether it's ever right to conceal a part of yourself out of fear. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger children (9-10) will enjoy the animal interactions and the 'treasure hunt' aspect of the relics. Older readers (11-13) will better grasp the subtext of the Black Death and the moral implications of Boy concealing his true nature. DIFFERENTIATOR: It manages to be a 'light' book about 'dark' times, balancing the macabre history of medieval relic-hunting with a protagonist who embodies pure, joyful goodness. """