Review by Audra Benn
Title: The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock, 978-0062686206-
Greenwillow Books, New York, NY, 2018, $16.99, 273 pp.
Genre: Historical Fiction & Magical Realism
Characters: Boy is our brave, kind protagonist and narrator. Although he is
young, he is wise and learns even more about himself and his gifts through his
journey. He is a great role model who shows it is better to treat all with kindness
even if they are not kind to us. Sir Jacques is Boy’s “master” who is nice to him
when many aren’t, but is not the same after a jousting accident leaves him
unable to walk or talk much. Cook is Sir Jacques current wife who does not show
friendliness but keeps the manor running and takes care of everything. Father
Petrus is no longer living but was a mentor to Boy and taught him ways to hide
his gifts, so others would not try to hurt him. Secundus is the story’s other main
character who is a pilgrim seeking his way into heaven by looking for/thieving St.
Peter’s relics to return to his tomb. He at first seems to be only using Boy for his
selfish gains but eventually sees the goodness Boy offers all around him. He and
Boy take turns saving each other from dangerous animal and human encounters.
An evil, greedy steward catches wind of Secundus’ plans and Boy’s true identity
and then hunts him and Boy. The girl who throws stones and calls herself wicked
tries to taunt and hunt them as well but reveals her humanity after being saved
from a pack of wolves by Boy.
Plot: We meet Boy and learn he is often bullied and called mean names for his
hunch. The pilgrim makes him come along to carry his sack of relics along his
journey and also fit into small spaces he cannot; he must find and return St.
Peter’s rib, tooth, thumb, toe, dust, and skull to his tomb before Secundus can
enter heaven. They start their journey by stealing St. Peter’s shoe to trade with
an abbot for his tooth. Along the journey there are many firsts for Boy, such as
taking a bath and sleeping in a bed; he is not used to such luxuries. He also finds
out more about Secundus and his family who has died. Secundus himself is very
ill and has little time to return the relics. Boy also finds out about himself; he
realizes he does not have a hunch in his back, but they are actually his angel
wings. He does not want to admit this to others or himself so spends much of the
journey trying to convince himself otherwise. He and Secundus save each other
many times. Animals save the day multiple times by speaking to and protecting
Boy. It is a pack of mean wolves who turn against the steward and wicked girl
when Secundus and Boy have yet again met their possible deaths. Thanks to the
wolves, Secundus is able to touch the tomb of St. Peter and disappears, which
Boy knows means he has made it to heaven’s gates. Yet, readers might wonder
if it was the value of the returned relics or of his redeemed heart that truly got him
there. Boy returns home, embraces his wings, and his ability to make the world a
better place, just the way he is.
Touchy areas: Overall, the book does not contain areas that are too touchy. Boy
does deal with bullying and name-calling.
Related Titles:The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or the Three Magical Children and Their
Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz, Longbow (The Saga of Roland Inness Book 1) by
Wayne Grant, El Deafo by Cece Bell
Movies: Brave (2012), The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) & Robin Hood (2010),
Black Death (2010) .
Music: “Carry on Wayward Son” by Kansas (1976), “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay
(2014)
Poem: “Tintern Abbey” by William Wordsworth, “If” Rudyard Kipling
Classic Work: The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
Art: Two Cherubs (detail of the Sistine Madonna) by Raphael
Evaluation: The Book of Boy is a book full of fast-paced adventure with several
plot twists. I learned more about the Medieval time-period through this read and
think it would be a great way to introduce students to literature of this time. The
book is one many reluctant readers, especially boys, would more than likely want
to read. Boy’s differences also make it a great teaching tool of being comfortable
in one’s skin and how our differences make us equipped for unique assignments.
The Book of Boy would work well for middle school readers, either as an
independent read or even in a Historical Fiction/Guided Inquiry literature circle.
Boy, like many young protagonists, teaches readers of all ages important life
lessons. Overall, I give this a 9/10.
Review by Douglas Marks
Title: The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock, 978-0062686206, Greenwillow
Books, 2018, $16.99, 288pp.
Genre: Historical fiction, adolescent literature, coming of age
Characters: The story basically revolves around two characters. The main character, from
whose perspective the story is told, is simply called “boy”, even by himself. Boy spends
most of the book thinking that he is a hunchback freak, and most secondary characters
who notice his hunch treat him with great disdain because of it. Many believe that his
hump will bring them bad luck and curses. However, as the story goes on his hump starts
to open, and eventually wings fully emerge, revealing that Boy is actually an angel. Boy
does not want to be an angel or a hunchback; he simply wants to be a boy. He
accompanies a “pilgrim” named Secundus around France and to Rome in the hopes that
praying at the tomb of Saint Peter can make him a real boy.
The other main character is Secundus, a tall and terse man who falsely describes
himself as a pilgrim. Secundus died a thousand years ago and has escaped hell, longing to
go to heaven so he can be with his long-deceased wife and child. In order to get to
heaven, he must gather relics of the body of Saint Peter and return them to his tomb.
Secundus is not exactly a hero, initially simply using Boy to help him gather relics. As
the story moves on, however, he does much to help Boy, and eventually becomes a
fatherly character towards him.
There are many secondary characters who either assist or try to stop Secundus and
Boy. They encounter monks, pilgrims, brigands, beggars, noblemen, innkeepers, and
hosts of others on their journey. Many animals also are included as characters, as Boy can
communicate with them because he is an angel. Generally the most helpful characters are
the animals that they encounter.
Plot: The plot revolves around Boy and Secundus gathering Saint Peter’s relics so that
they may achieve their wishes. Secundus wishes to go to heaven, and Boy simply wishes
to be a boy. In the beginning Secundus notices Boy climbing a tree near his home, and
decides to take Boy with him, as he needs someone good at climbing in order to help
steal relics. Boy comes from a manor that has been wrecked by plague, and his master is
basically in a vegetative state after being kicked by a horse. Only the master’s wife,
“Cook”, remains to tend the land, along with a few others. Boy and Secundus travel
around France and Rome collecting relics, getting assistance from animals pretty much
every time. Many characters are dumbstruck by Boy’s awful hump, but as the story
continues, the hump slowly opens to reveal wings, showing that Boy is not a monster, but
an angel. Through many hardships and close calls, Boy and Secundus rely on luck,
trickery, and grace to gather the seven relics and avoid capture from those who either
want to protect the relics or take the relics for themselves.
Touchy areas: The book heavily features aspects of Christianity, and anytime a book
includes religion it could be touchy for certain people. Maybe there are some Christians
who would not like this medieval portrayal of the religion, or maybe there are some non-
Christians who would not approve of a book like this being taught officially in a class.
Otherwise, there is a bit of violence and death, but nothing too gruesome. Profanity and
sexual themes are basically absent.
Related titles: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown (2000)
Movies: Angels in the Outfield (1994), It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Music: Iced Earth – The Blessed and the Damned
Poetry: Paradise Lost by John Milton
Classical Work: The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
Art: The Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo
Evaluation: For me, the book was entertaining it enough to make it a quick read, despite
its length. I think it was the proper level for its intended audience. Sometimes it seemed
that Boy and Secundus made their way out of conflict a little too easily. It never really
seemed like they would fail, and it never seemed like the consequences would be too dire
if they messed something up or got caught. In fact, Boy even gets caught red-handed near
the end, but is simply tossed out of the cathedral and not punished at all. Maybe his
innocent look helped him, but seemingly nobody would have cared too much if Boy were
brutally murdered instead of being let go. I also am not entirely sure if the novel had
some sort of underlying purpose or message. The narrative flowed smoothly, but I did not
feel by the end like I had learned anything or made a strong connection to any of the
characters. Overall I give the book a 7.5 out of 10.
Title: The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock, 978-0062686206-
Greenwillow Books, New York, NY, 2018, $16.99, 273 pp.
Genre: Historical Fiction & Magical Realism
Characters: Boy is our brave, kind protagonist and narrator. Although he is
young, he is wise and learns even more about himself and his gifts through his
journey. He is a great role model who shows it is better to treat all with kindness
even if they are not kind to us. Sir Jacques is Boy’s “master” who is nice to him
when many aren’t, but is not the same after a jousting accident leaves him
unable to walk or talk much. Cook is Sir Jacques current wife who does not show
friendliness but keeps the manor running and takes care of everything. Father
Petrus is no longer living but was a mentor to Boy and taught him ways to hide
his gifts, so others would not try to hurt him. Secundus is the story’s other main
character who is a pilgrim seeking his way into heaven by looking for/thieving St.
Peter’s relics to return to his tomb. He at first seems to be only using Boy for his
selfish gains but eventually sees the goodness Boy offers all around him. He and
Boy take turns saving each other from dangerous animal and human encounters.
An evil, greedy steward catches wind of Secundus’ plans and Boy’s true identity
and then hunts him and Boy. The girl who throws stones and calls herself wicked
tries to taunt and hunt them as well but reveals her humanity after being saved
from a pack of wolves by Boy.
Plot: We meet Boy and learn he is often bullied and called mean names for his
hunch. The pilgrim makes him come along to carry his sack of relics along his
journey and also fit into small spaces he cannot; he must find and return St.
Peter’s rib, tooth, thumb, toe, dust, and skull to his tomb before Secundus can
enter heaven. They start their journey by stealing St. Peter’s shoe to trade with
an abbot for his tooth. Along the journey there are many firsts for Boy, such as
taking a bath and sleeping in a bed; he is not used to such luxuries. He also finds
out more about Secundus and his family who has died. Secundus himself is very
ill and has little time to return the relics. Boy also finds out about himself; he
realizes he does not have a hunch in his back, but they are actually his angel
wings. He does not want to admit this to others or himself so spends much of the
journey trying to convince himself otherwise. He and Secundus save each other
many times. Animals save the day multiple times by speaking to and protecting
Boy. It is a pack of mean wolves who turn against the steward and wicked girl
when Secundus and Boy have yet again met their possible deaths. Thanks to the
wolves, Secundus is able to touch the tomb of St. Peter and disappears, which
Boy knows means he has made it to heaven’s gates. Yet, readers might wonder
if it was the value of the returned relics or of his redeemed heart that truly got him
there. Boy returns home, embraces his wings, and his ability to make the world a
better place, just the way he is.
Touchy areas: Overall, the book does not contain areas that are too touchy. Boy
does deal with bullying and name-calling.
Related Titles:The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or the Three Magical Children and Their
Holy Dog by Adam Gidwitz, Longbow (The Saga of Roland Inness Book 1) by
Wayne Grant, El Deafo by Cece Bell
Movies: Brave (2012), The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) & Robin Hood (2010),
Black Death (2010) .
Music: “Carry on Wayward Son” by Kansas (1976), “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay
(2014)
Poem: “Tintern Abbey” by William Wordsworth, “If” Rudyard Kipling
Classic Work: The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
Art: Two Cherubs (detail of the Sistine Madonna) by Raphael
Evaluation: The Book of Boy is a book full of fast-paced adventure with several
plot twists. I learned more about the Medieval time-period through this read and
think it would be a great way to introduce students to literature of this time. The
book is one many reluctant readers, especially boys, would more than likely want
to read. Boy’s differences also make it a great teaching tool of being comfortable
in one’s skin and how our differences make us equipped for unique assignments.
The Book of Boy would work well for middle school readers, either as an
independent read or even in a Historical Fiction/Guided Inquiry literature circle.
Boy, like many young protagonists, teaches readers of all ages important life
lessons. Overall, I give this a 9/10.
Review by Douglas Marks
Title: The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock, 978-0062686206, Greenwillow
Books, 2018, $16.99, 288pp.
Genre: Historical fiction, adolescent literature, coming of age
Characters: The story basically revolves around two characters. The main character, from
whose perspective the story is told, is simply called “boy”, even by himself. Boy spends
most of the book thinking that he is a hunchback freak, and most secondary characters
who notice his hunch treat him with great disdain because of it. Many believe that his
hump will bring them bad luck and curses. However, as the story goes on his hump starts
to open, and eventually wings fully emerge, revealing that Boy is actually an angel. Boy
does not want to be an angel or a hunchback; he simply wants to be a boy. He
accompanies a “pilgrim” named Secundus around France and to Rome in the hopes that
praying at the tomb of Saint Peter can make him a real boy.
The other main character is Secundus, a tall and terse man who falsely describes
himself as a pilgrim. Secundus died a thousand years ago and has escaped hell, longing to
go to heaven so he can be with his long-deceased wife and child. In order to get to
heaven, he must gather relics of the body of Saint Peter and return them to his tomb.
Secundus is not exactly a hero, initially simply using Boy to help him gather relics. As
the story moves on, however, he does much to help Boy, and eventually becomes a
fatherly character towards him.
There are many secondary characters who either assist or try to stop Secundus and
Boy. They encounter monks, pilgrims, brigands, beggars, noblemen, innkeepers, and
hosts of others on their journey. Many animals also are included as characters, as Boy can
communicate with them because he is an angel. Generally the most helpful characters are
the animals that they encounter.
Plot: The plot revolves around Boy and Secundus gathering Saint Peter’s relics so that
they may achieve their wishes. Secundus wishes to go to heaven, and Boy simply wishes
to be a boy. In the beginning Secundus notices Boy climbing a tree near his home, and
decides to take Boy with him, as he needs someone good at climbing in order to help
steal relics. Boy comes from a manor that has been wrecked by plague, and his master is
basically in a vegetative state after being kicked by a horse. Only the master’s wife,
“Cook”, remains to tend the land, along with a few others. Boy and Secundus travel
around France and Rome collecting relics, getting assistance from animals pretty much
every time. Many characters are dumbstruck by Boy’s awful hump, but as the story
continues, the hump slowly opens to reveal wings, showing that Boy is not a monster, but
an angel. Through many hardships and close calls, Boy and Secundus rely on luck,
trickery, and grace to gather the seven relics and avoid capture from those who either
want to protect the relics or take the relics for themselves.
Touchy areas: The book heavily features aspects of Christianity, and anytime a book
includes religion it could be touchy for certain people. Maybe there are some Christians
who would not like this medieval portrayal of the religion, or maybe there are some non-
Christians who would not approve of a book like this being taught officially in a class.
Otherwise, there is a bit of violence and death, but nothing too gruesome. Profanity and
sexual themes are basically absent.
Related titles: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown (2000)
Movies: Angels in the Outfield (1994), It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Music: Iced Earth – The Blessed and the Damned
Poetry: Paradise Lost by John Milton
Classical Work: The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
Art: The Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo
Evaluation: For me, the book was entertaining it enough to make it a quick read, despite
its length. I think it was the proper level for its intended audience. Sometimes it seemed
that Boy and Secundus made their way out of conflict a little too easily. It never really
seemed like they would fail, and it never seemed like the consequences would be too dire
if they messed something up or got caught. In fact, Boy even gets caught red-handed near
the end, but is simply tossed out of the cathedral and not punished at all. Maybe his
innocent look helped him, but seemingly nobody would have cared too much if Boy were
brutally murdered instead of being let go. I also am not entirely sure if the novel had
some sort of underlying purpose or message. The narrative flowed smoothly, but I did not
feel by the end like I had learned anything or made a strong connection to any of the
characters. Overall I give the book a 7.5 out of 10.
