The Boy Book

"The Book of Boy" is a Newbery Honor historical fiction novel set in 1350, during the time of the Black Death. It tells the story of Boy, a young orphan with a hunchback who has faced bullying and shame his entire life. He joins a pilgrim, Secundus, on a quest across Europe to gather seven relics of Saint Peter. This journey becomes a profound exploration of identity, kindness, and resilience, as Boy grapples with his "otherness" and the ambiguous nature of his true self. The book balances historical accuracy with a lyrical, often whimsical tone, offering a hopeful narrative amidst a dark historical backdrop. It is suitable for late elementary to middle school readers.