A Swashbuckling Medieval Adventure for Kids

Leslea Wahl reviews Young Aelfred, a chapter book for middle-grade fans of adventurous historical fiction.

Young Aelfred

by Maria Waddelove

This tale takes the young brothers on numerous suspenseful adventures as they hide from their pursuers, create unlikely alliances, engage in sword fights, orchestrate daring escapes, and through it all, try to do what is right.

20250228 LWahl Young Aelfred

Review:

Do you have a voracious young reader at your home? If so, Young Aelfred might be a great novel to check out. This book is a wonderful middle-grade historical fiction for someone who really enjoys adventure. Set long ago in the year 859, this is the fictional tale of the future Aelfred the Great, one of the kings of England.

Aelfred and his brother Aethelred are young brothers who have a knack for getting into mischief. But it’s hard to blame them. They faced quite a few hardships in their young lives as the youngest children of the King. After both their parents died, the boys are sent back and forth to be raised by their older brothers in their respective kingdoms.

But things really go awry on one fateful day when Aelfred and Aethelred tire of the family hunting excursion and decide to explore the woods. Their innocent curiosity leads them into danger as they wander too far away and are captured by ruthless Vikings.

There is some violence, through the battles and experiences young Aelfred faces. These passages are not graphic and show just how difficult it was to live in that time period. I really enjoyed the themes of faith, courage, self-sacrifice, and standing up for your beliefs.

I think this would be an especially great book to read with your child and there are so many wonderful topics to discuss.

Summary:

Step into the world of 11-year-old Aelfred, whose life takes a dramatic turn after the tragic loss of both parents. Out hunting with his brother, they suddenly become the hunted. Soon, taken hostage by Viking raiders, Aelfred is confronted with a sinister plot that threatens his life and the future of England.

As Aelfred fights for his survival, he must use all his wit and cunning to outsmart the ruthless Ragnar and the crafty Ivar. His experiences in captivity are beyond anything he could have imagined, but they will shape him into the greatest king England has ever known.

Travel back in time to the year 859 and join Aelfred on his perilous journey. This thrilling adventure story will keep you on the edge of your seat as you root for the young hero to overcome the odds and fulfil his destiny.

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Ask for Young Aelfred at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com.

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