Adam of the Road presents a wonderful assortment of medieval characters representing occupations ranging from minstrel to pilgrim, from preacher to miller, from merchant to plowman. The main character, Adam Quartermayne, is eleven years old as the story begins. He attends school at a monastery while his minstrel father searches for new ballads in France. Adam, described as tousleheaded, snub-nosed, wide-mouthed, and square-jawed, anxiously awaits his father's return. The boy is interested in everything, and telling the story from his point of view lends freshness and excitement to the narrative.

Adam is a typical boy in many ways.

He becomes engrossed in a miracle play to the point of distraction, leading him to fall off a wall and incur a concussion.

He adores his father and his dog, Nick.

When Nick disappears, Adam undertakes a courageous search, even swimming a river in an attempt...