Adam of the Road

Adam of the Road is a novel by Elizabeth Janet Gray that won the Newbery Medal for excellence in American children's literature in 1943. Set in thirteenth-century England, the book follows the adventures of a young boy, Adam. After losing his spaniel and minstrel father, Adam embarks on a series of escapades throughout medieval England. Readers are given an accurate portrayal of medieval culture and society. The book is illustrated by Robert Lawson.

Story

Adam is an eleven-year-old minstrel who wants to become like his father, Roger, and to do so he tries to be the best minstrel he can. In the beginning, Adam and his friend Perkin are in St. Albans monastery, and they go to an old lady's house to visit Adam's dog, Nick. They quickly return to their home at the monastery and go to the roadside to find Roger is coming back from his long journey as a knight's minstrel. Roger tells Adam that he is going to London to follow in the knight's train. Adam is allowed to come, but he must hurry because the knight leaves the next day. While on the road, Adam meets Margery, the daughter of the knight, in a beautiful carriage. Soon after, following a night of feasting and partying, Roger tells Adam he lost Adam's horse in a bet with another minstrel. One night, while Roger and Adam are sleeping, another minstrel, Jankin, steals Adam's dog, Nick, and runs away. When Adam and Roger discover Nick is gone, they chase Jankin across England. When Adam sees Jankin in a crowded marketplace, he pursues him and is separated from Roger. Will Adam ever see his father again?

Characters

Adam Quartermayne: Adam is the main character of the story. He is a fairly talented 11-year-old minstrel as he can juggle knives, do cart wheels, sing, and play the harp. He can make friends easily with the people he meets and is a very kind person.