Zahler (Goblin Market) transports readers to 14th-century Europe during the height of the black plague in this searing novel for fans of gritty historical fare. When a girl is found cowering in a hollow tree in Norway, she has sparse clothing, no food, and no memories, including of her name. Coaxed out of her hiding spot by British shipmaster's son Owen, and called Rype—or Wild Bird—by his father, she joins them at sea. Interstitials recall the tragedy that preceded these events, and primarily first-person narration details Rype's subsequent experiences wandering the European countryside with Owen and a band of troubadours. Yet the plague follows close behind, perpetually threatening the found family with violence, suspicion, and death, and Rype realizes that it is just one of many dangers on the road. Zahler unflinchingly depicts a world in chaos due to disease, drawing contemporary parallels and thoughtfully highlighting issues of power structures, collective trauma, and remembrance. While deep bonds are formed throughout the telling, Rype's processing her grief and finding her purpose form the character-forward story's core, making for a novel of strength and vulnerability that will appeal particularly to readers of The Book of Boy and Northwind. Characters default to white. An end note provides additional historical context. Ages 8-12. Agent: Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Literary. (Mar.)

Gr 6-8—Zahler's novel offers a glimpse into the bubonic plague, the pandemic that rocked Europe in the 14th century. Owen rescues 12-year-old Rype who was hiding in a hollow tree trunk and realizes she must have been a survivor from a Norwegian village decimated by "the sickness," as it is referred to in the book. Rype begins a new life and adventure with Owen, starting on the North Sea, carrying them through part of the Holy Roman Empire and to the Kingdom of France. The two join a merry band of troubadours traveling around singing for room and board who also provide companionship and protection. Rype knows she has no family to return to in Norway and seems happy to follow Owen home to England to rejoin his mother and sister. Along the way the group encounters perilous situations readers might find shocking but were, in fact, normal facets of living during the Middle Ages. Each chapter begins with a flashback to Rype's life with her family in her Norwegian village running parallel to the narrative. Zahler's research is obvious with her diction; there are words and phrases readers will need to use context clues to decipher. Rype and Owen's affection for each other is an underlying current and could provide enough tension to keep a reluctant reader invested. Furthermore, personal connections with recent COVID-19 experiences might allow for interesting discussion in a group setting. VERDICT A great addition to any middle grade historical fiction collection.—Kim Gardner