A Review By Frances 

Thoroughly recommended, brilliant and very enjoyable story based on historical accounts of two Children’s Crusades in the summer of 1212.  One of them was led by a twelve year old French shepherd called Stephen, and this book tells the story from the point of view of two of the children who meet and follow Stephen as he sets off for the Holy Land, convinced that when he gets to the Mediterranean Sea, the waters will part and let him cross to reach Jerusalem.

Both main characters are thoroughly believable and through their adventures, trials , tribulations and near starvation, we learn much about life in thirteenth century France, how Jews were persecuted and tormented and about the formation of a breakaway Christian Church, as well as the power of the Roman Catholic Church. 

 The story is very moving at times with a strong moral tone, but don’t let that put you off.  It is also a very exciting  adventure story. I loved it.