Plot Summary

The Book of Boy

Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Guide cover placeholder

The Book of Boy

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2018

Book Brief

Catherine Gilbert Murdock

The Book of Boy

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

France • 14th century

Publication Year

2018

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

600L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock follows the adventure of Boy, a hunchback living in medieval France under the care of a harsh mistress after the bubonic plague devastates their manor. Boy joins the mysterious pilgrim Secundus on a quest across Europe to collect holy relics that Secundus believes will save him. Throughout their journey, Boy discovers surprising truths about himself and his unique abilities, while facing various dangers and challenges.

Adventurous

Mysterious

Fantastical

Emotional

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.2

4,378 ratings

68%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Catherine Gilbert Murdock's The Book of Boy captivates with its historical setting and endearing protagonist, appealing to both young readers and adults. While praised for its rich medieval detail and adventurous plot, some critiques highlight uneven pacing. Nevertheless, the book's charm and depth make it a compelling read for fans of historical fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Book of Boy?

An ideal reader of The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock enjoys historical adventure with fantastical elements, much like fans of The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz or The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. With a middle-grade focus, it appeals to those who cherish layered narratives, medieval settings, and themes of identity and courage.

4.2

4,378 ratings

68%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

France • 14th century

Publication Year

2018

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

600L

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!