Eleanore M. Jewett (1890–1967)

Amidst great mystery, Hugh is left in the care of Glastonbury Abbey by his father who must flee to England too swiftly to be burdened by a crippled son. Ashamed of his physical weakness, yet possessed of a stout heart, Hugh finds that life at the abbey is surprisingly full in this year 1171, in the turbulent days of King Henry II. Hugh, his friend Dickon and their strange friend, the mad Bleheris, uncover a treasure trove, and with it a deeper mystery of the sort that could only occur in show more Glastonbury where Joseph of Arimathea was said to have lived out his last years. Before all is done, more is resolved than Hugh could ever have hoped. show less

Well written, as one would expect from Eleanore Jewett, and enjoyable collection of very nice stories. I'm familiar with the Chinese equivalents of some of these stories, and a wee bit perplexed by happy endings to stories that have sad or bone-chilling endings in China. Jewett gives a bibliography of her sources, so that would indicate that they are authentic, and I'm left wondering: did she tweak the sad and scary bits, or do the Koreans tell happier stories than the Chinese, or are these show more just the little-kid versions? show less

There is a mystery woven into Big John's young life that he must solve. Raised during the strife-filled days of the reign of King John of England, in a rude peasant village by Old Marm, John understands that injustice has been done his family and that Old Marm is preparing him one day to reclaim his name and family honor. He must avenge his unknown father! But Old Marm dies, and he is left without a clue to his name. In the next years John's unusual size and strength (and the knowledge he show more has gained of letters and of the art of healing) earn him a place as page to an earl organizing the 5th Crusade. In the Holy Land John searches for a father he hopes is living still. Amidst battle, capture and setbacks, John, now a squire to a Knight Hospitaller, encounters Francis of Assisi, who had come to the Holy Land just at this time to preach the Gospel to the Saracens. As John perseveres, Francis helps to bring about the final outcome. show less

Hugh is taken by his father (who is fleeing England on charges of treason) to live with the monks at the Abbey at Glastonbury. He finds a happy home there among the scribes and scholars, and makes friends with another young resident and an old, crazy hermit. Between the three of them, they stumble into a search for the Holy Grail, which they believe to be hidden on the monastery grounds.
A solid entry in the Newbery Honor Book ranks, with interesting characters and a fair mystery.