Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices From a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Schlitz, Laura A. 2007. GOOD MASTERS! SWEET LADIES! VOICES FROM A MEDIEVAL VILLAGE. ill. Robert Byrd. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763615789

SUMMARY:

Travel back in time and meet a group of young people who are growing up in a medieval village. One of many characters, Pask has run away from his harsh ruler.  His goal, live in the village for one year and one day, and he will become FREE.  He finds refuge hiding in a kennel and survives by eating dog food.  As time goes by and the winter bares down bitterly, will he and the others survive ... read on.

QUALITY & APPEAL:

Age Range:  10 years and up
Grade Level:  5th grade and up
It is written in the form of monologues and dialogues.  This engaging format is perfect for students to "get into character" and perform their set part with interest and enthusiasm.  Village life emerges with each stanza and narrative thread that bind the characters to each other during this savage time period.  Bryd's illustrations help set the stage for each scene.  Students will gain knowledge from the illustrations as they study them and take on characteristics of their chosen character.

Educators will find this text to be a valuable teaching resource when educating students about this time period.  The historical notes that appear in the margins add depth and details to the message the author is trying to convey.  Schlitz, a librarian and historian, wrote this book specifically for students to perform.

SPOTLIGHT POEM:  (Excerpt from page 3)

HUGO

THE LORD'S NEPHEW

... I could smell my sweat, rank with fear,

and then -- it was like my dream --

the underbrush moved, and the sticks shattered.

I saw it -- bristling, dark as the devil,

huge as a horse -- and my bowels turned to water.

My uncle dismounted

and I did the same.

My legs were like straw,

and I walked.

Mouth dry, palms wet,

one hand forward on the spear

and one foot ahead

(to fall would be death).

CONNECTION:

• Allow students to pick a character.
• Allow time for students to read and reread their part and prepare for the class reading, similar to a drama or reader's theater reading.
• Prior to the whole class reading (performance), discuss medieval society, their clothing, medicine, education, jobs, etc.  
• Whole class reading (performance)
• Writing prompt:  What kind of education did people receive during the medieval times?  Compare and contrast their education to your education you receive today.  Which one do you think is best and why?
• Students read their writing to a peer and discuss their thoughts and ideas.