34807877Title: The Book of Boy
Author: Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Illustrator: Ian Schoenherr
ISBN: 9780062686206
Pages: 278 pages
Publisher/Date: Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, c2018.
Awards: Newbery Honor (2019)

“And now you go on pilgrimage.” I should say something, I felt.
“Ah. Yes. I am on a quest, Boy. A quest for seven objects. Seven relics as precious as anything on this earth. Seven relics that will save me.” He held the book so I could see a page of writing. “Rib tooth thumb shin,” he recited. “Dust skull tomb.”
“Rib tooth thumb shin dust skull home,” I whispered to myself. How grand these words sounded. Like a prayer. […]
“Guard that pack, Boy. Guard it as you would your life. For within that pack rests one of Saint Peter’s ribs.” (23-24)

A hunchbacked orphan called simply Boy is sold into the service of Secundus, a traveler in the guise of a pilgrim. However, Boy and Secundus both learn that each of them are hiding secrets from the other. Secundus is on a quest for seven relics of St. Peter that will save him, but from what the Boy doesn’t realize until it’s too late to turn back home. Boy has a way with animals that even he doesn’t fully understand, but it will come to light that they may be on opposite sides of a divide that has existed for centuries. When Seundus’ actions lead to questionable decision making involving thievery, bribes, and a cursed key, Boy must decide how far he is willing to go to have his own prayers answered.

For families who are looking for overtly Christian themed stories in the vein of Chronicles of Narnia, this one would be an excellent choice. This book reminded me of The Seven Tales of Trinket, from it’s medieval setting and long journey to the seven items that drive the momentum of the story. The reveal of the secrets carried by both Boy and Secundus are unexpected and dramatic, with small foreshadowing hints peppered throughout the story remaining unnoticeable until they coalesce into a way brings new meaning to the journey and the relationship between the two. The inclusion of a hunchback character, which is rarely seen in children’s literature, is inspired, allowing superstitions to be brought into the novel and show Boy’s insecurities both literally and figuratively change as he gains confidence, worldliness, and understanding. While a line in the story “if you slump like a monster, then so you’ll be treated” could be misconstrued and taken literally, it should be seen as encouragement to wear a mantle of confidence because people treat you as you appear.