The Door in the Wall: (Newbery Medal Winner)

I first read this book as a child, more than once, and loved it then. I was tickled to see it listed on Amazon as available on Kindle, and have read it this evening in one sitting. From the vantage point of almost 60 years, I love and appreciate it even more now. The small illustrations throughout were sketched by the author, and are perfect accompaniments for the sweet, encouraging, tale of a time far back in history. A scholar as well as an author, Ms. De Angeli provides wonderful historical details while also telling an inspiring story of courage, personal growth and healing in the young character of Robin. Richly enhancing the story are themes of family and community, charity and bravery. All in all, a classic, delightful story that I plan to share with my children and grandchildren, reinforcing the belief that we can do hard things.

Simple but clearly written, I can almost see the story as I read it. Very touching and inspiring story for all ages

This 14th-century adventure book is surprisingly sweet and innocent, considering it includes scenes of battle, privation, and death. Originally published in 1949, and winner of a Newbery award, the story feels dated compared to books published more recently about medieval children's lives. It contains lots of factual tidbits about castles, transportation, monastic life, warfare, and other topics, carefully woven into the tale. A few of these seem anachronistic, such as the song Robin sings for the king - a song actually only a couple of hundred years old. But in fairness, more is known today about historical accuracy than was known seventy years ago. Robin is an appealing character, though he's at the far end of the curve in pushing himself to do tasks that are difficult or dangerous for him. The men who sometimes carry him and his crutches on their backs seem astoundingly strong, schlepping the ten-year-old up and down hills and stairs and towers without tiring; this I found somewhat unbelievable. But Brother Luke's mantra, "Thou hast only to follow the wall long enough and there will be a door in it," is as insightful and useful today as it was for Robin.

Delightful, low-key, descriptively lean account of England circa the 1330s through the eyes of a handicapped boy. Not the action adventure some readers seem to be expecting, but a non-revisionist slice of life, Middle Ages style. Younger readers will need to be good readers, and patient ones, to reap these rewards. (In fact, that's what this book is about!) De Angeli's short Newbery winner follows Robin, ten year old son of a nobleman fighting in Edward III's "Scottish wars" and one of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting. Robin's London caregivers are wiped out by the plague, so the care of his delicate health (he has recently been stricken lame) falls to a benevolent monk named Brother Luke. The good brother quietly applies himself to strengthening Robin in both body and mind, emphasizing that perseverance and patience will always result in finding "a door in the wall," a way beyond present obstacles. Robin's lessons include wood carving, reading, writing, singing and playing music, swimming, and walking with crutches. There is no insistent plot to jerk the story forward and no loud, overstated characters to interfere with Robin's quiet development. Robin shares some mild adventures on the road in the company of Luke and a minstrel named John Go-in-the-wynd before all his newfound resourcefulness and skill are called upon in defense of a local castle. Nice, pleasant, quick. Unapologetic about the era's Christian culture and the benevolence of its priests, so probably not very popular among trendy Newbery spokespeople these days. But De Angeli's message of gentle, humble perseverance is actually inspiring.

Newbery Medal / Honors awards are great stories

Every child should read this book. Story of patience, persistence and courage - virtues to live by. Faith in God grounds the story.

If you're looking for historical fiction set in medieval England, I would recommend fellow Newberry winner, ADAM OF THE ROAD, over this novel. Though almost three times the length, ADAM is more engaging both in plot and characterization. THE DOOR IN THE WALL opts for a more realistic vernacular (using "thee," "thou," "oft," etc.), but is overly simplistic in terms of plotting and suspense. A battle scene, for instance, ending an important siege is described and finished in all of three sentences. Talk about a letdown! The central metaphor of the book is admirable, as it describes life's challenges as a wall that must patiently be explored, for every wall gives way to "a door" (or, an opportunity) at some point. This is the case for the protagonist, Robin, who is a nobleman's lame son who must learn to support himself on crutches and overcome his handicap. He is assisted in this endeavor by Brother Luke at the hospice of St. Mark. Eventually the narrative shows a little life as they travel to the castle of Lindsay and some adventure (in the form of attacking Welsh) takes place. Too bad author de Angeli simply describes it like a history text instead of like a novel. My kingdom, then, for some drawn out action, some sensory details, or some inner thoughts of Robin's augmenting the suspense! Still, it's yeoman writing and true to the period in which it is written. As a three star, the book should not be avoided so much as compared to others of its ilk that might better engage young readers of short attention spans. There's the rub. If you're a young reader who loves to read, you will find THE DOOR IN THE WALL open and inviting. If, on the other hand, you are a young reader who craves plot and action, you will be shutting the door of your own accord along about page 20. Know thyself and thy personal "walls," then.

Purchased twenty of these for my team. Great quality and readability. Great story. "Always remember that," said the friar. "Thou hast only to follow the wall far enough and there will be a door in it." This book reminds us when we go through challenging times or are seeking something we haven't yet found, to keep going. Persevere, don't give up. You will find what you need eventually.

Having vaguely remembered enjoying this book as a child, I bought it for my ten-year-old, who loves the story as well. The language in this book is comparatively sophisticated and vaguely archaic ("We broke our fast"), but the story is so gripping that it goes down painlessly.

For school. Exactly what was needed

a good book to read. interpretable english. story is good too.

This book is a good book. I would have given it 5 stars had this book been written for adults. Unfortunately this book is for children and they will probably find the book too slow and with words too difficult to understand. I am not sure if a child alone can understand the book if he/she reads this book by him/herself. If I read this book to children, I would read one chapter at a time, stopping frequently to try to explain what was written, and at the end I would summarize the book with this: The reason why the main character finds his own door in the wall is because he accomplished something that basically anybody else could have done but nobody thought of or tried doing; and of course he did it regarless of his physical limitations.