Crossing To Paradise

Starred review from September 1, 2008
Gr 5-9-Gatty, the irrepressible peasant girl first introduced in Crossley-Holland's "Arthur" trilogy (Scholastic), comes into her own in this sweeping, vibrant story set in the early years of the 13th century. Her pure singing voice helps her secure a position as serving maid to Lady Gwyneth of Ewloe Manor, and she joins a disparate band of souls when her lady declares her intent to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Gatty is a headstrong adolescent whose impulsive behavior both exasperates and delights the other pilgrims on the journey, causing delays and difficulties but also, in one instance, saving a life. Written in a style that is both lyrical and earthy, this book serves as a companion novel to the "Arthur" books but stands solidly on its own as a completely satisfying coming-of-age story. Similar in tone to Karen Cushman's "Catherine, Called Birdy" (Clarion, 1994) and rich in detail like Frances Temple's epic journey tale, "The Ramsay Scallop" (Scholastic, 1994), "Crossing to Paradise" gives today's readers a glimpse into the turbulent years of the Crusadesevents that sowed so many seeds for the current Middle East conflictsthrough the eyes of a girl who wears her heart on her sleeve."Connie C. Rockman, Stratford Library Association, CT"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2008
This companion volume to the Arthur Trilogy opens with Arthurs friend Gatty awakening in the shed where she sleeps with her cow. Sent to attend Lady Gwyneth, she sets out with that lady and seven companions on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Structurally more straightforward than the Arthur books, this third-person narrative tells of the eventful journey that brings Gatty to greater maturity and broader awareness of the world. Vividly told from the humble opening setting to the luminous final scenein which Gatty and Arthur are reunited, this historical novel becomes the capstone of Crossley-Hollands memorable medieval saga.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)