Days of the Knights

K-Gr 2—This beginning reader integrates elements of fiction, nonfiction, and time travel. The verso of the title page has a small map of Europe with a dragon swimming in the Atlantic Ocean. The caption on top of the map indicates that readers are traveling back in time to 1200 in England, and the caption under the map explains that England is a country in Europe, a "whole ocean away" from the United States. The book begins with Joe's report on the Middle Ages. Lilly offers to help him research on the computer, and once she types "Middle Ages" they are dragged into the computer and greeted by Red the Time Dragon. While in the Middle Ages, Joe and Lilly see a town and its people, a cathedral, and finally the castle of Sir Vile. Of course, Sir Vile is a bully and a thief to the peasants, and, of course, Red defeats him, and all is well in the end. The last page shows Joe and Lilly being spit back out of the computer. The last few pages have a few facts about the Middle Ages, a time line, and a glossary. A supplemental purchase.—Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City