The Badger Knight by Kathryn Erskine (review)

Adrian knows that he is destined to be a great archer, even if his albinism, small stature, and young age (he’s only twelve) are all significant obstacles. His decision to follow his friend, Hugh, into battle to defend England from Scotland (darn those pagan Scots) quickly turns into a coming-of-age journey as he encounters knights, monks, new allies, thieves, and essentially everyone except his best friend for a good, long time. Searching for Hugh begins to change Adrian, now known as the Badger; he still employs his razor-sharp sardonic tongue, but he’s also much more willing to sympathize with those around him. War itself, though, is what truly changes the Badger, and readers will likely be right there with him, stunned by the difference between legends about military exploits and the reality (war is not honorable or fair, nor does it offer a chance to be heroic and show off fancy skills). The integration of historical facts into the text is seamless; readers will leave knowing a sturdy amount about England and Scotland in 1346 but won’t even notice how much they are learning, as it is all so cleanly embedded into Adrian’s gripping, often harrowing, adventures. Fans of Pagan from Catherine Jinks’ series (Pagan’s Crusade, BCCB 5/05, et al.) will find a kindred spirit in Badger, who also knows a good moment for snark when he sees it but can spot the times when he should simply observe and learn. A bonus glossary written using Adrian’s witty asides will help readers unfamiliar with medieval terminology.