The Wool-Pack

Because Michael... in Open Library as Nicholas and the Wool Pack.

Compares favorably to the better historical fiction that has won Newbery recognition. I would have liked it as a child, when I was enjoying [b:Adam of the Road|164255|Adam of the Road|Elizabeth Janet Gray|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348558311l/164255._SX50_.jpg|452487]. It does a wonderful job of teaching us so much about the history and culture of the era when 'Columbus' was 'discovering' 'America' and about the Medici family of bankers, etc.

I loved how Nicholas' mother was a fashionable, title-proud woman, who carried a tiny dog around everywhere, even smuggled into church, because it was what the noblewomen were doing. There show more were lots of details like that, making this an immersive story that felt very real, not musty & dusty at all.

(Googling Medici tells me that Harnett should have written a sequel or companion to this, as just a couple of years later the family had a downfall.) show less

Historical Fiction, England, 15th Century

GLG0JBY6

Winner of the Carnegie Medal for outstanding children's book 1951