Sandell, Lisa Ann.
SONG OF THE SPARROW
New York : Scholastic, 2007
IL YA
ISBN 0439918480

(2 booktalks)

Since her mother’s murder, Elaine has been living with her father and brothers in an English military encampment as they attempt to fend off the Saxon invasions in fifth century Britain. Elaine dispenses herbal healing to the sick and wounded and harbors a secret love for Lancelot. When Arthur arrives at the camp with Lady Gwynivere, Lancelot is immediately smitten with her beauty and Elaine despises her for her stuck-up mannerisms. Gwynivere avoids Elaine and her tomboy antics. When the two women are captured by the Saxons, they must put aside their differences and find a way to risk themselves for the love of their men and country. Beautifully written historical prose in the Arthurian legend genre --- based on the Tennyson poem “Lady of Shallott”.  (Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Awards nominee, 2008-2009)

Booktalk #2

Feisty and independent, Elaine of Ascolat lives with her father and two brothers in the midst of a war camp. Since her mother was murdered when she was a child, Elaine has grown up in the camp, treating all the men there as her brothers, with her only female companion being the mysterious Morgan. Arthur, Elaine's friend, is named leader of the Britons in the battle against marauding foreigners. Longing for a closer bond with Lancelot, who has treated her with affection since she was a child, Elaine is horrified to see that he is hopelessly in love with Gwynivere, the woman chosen for Arthur to marry. When Arthur's army marches to fight the Saxons, Elaine and Gwynivere both follow the men in secret and are captured by the enemy. The cunning and courage of the two women helps turn the tide of the battle, and their shared adventure helps Elaine overcome her jealousy and find her own true destiny at last.  (Rhode Island Teen Book Awards, 2008-09)