kingdoms, Castles & Secret societies
Links, books and other resources to take you inside the world that inspired
THE FIRE STAR (A Maven & Reeve Mystery) by A.L. Tait
The Fire Star (A Maven & Reeve Mystery) is pure fiction, but the story is based in a world that’s inspired by my love of Medieval history. The Beech Circle’s secret meeting place, for instance, was inspired by this article and this episode of Great British Railways.
If you love the world of Cartreff, Rennart Castle, The Beech Circle, knights, maids and mysteries, I’ve put together a range of resources: links, books, documentaries and more to help you to explore!
DID YOU KNOW?
- The beech tree is a symbol of study and knowledge
- Books were once made from thin slices of beech wood
- The beech is associated with femininity, and known as the ‘Queen of British trees’ or the ‘goddess’ tree
MORE about MEDIEVAL LIFE:
- The Kids Rule! Guide to Castles
- The Middle Ages for Kids
- Medieval Life
- The Middle Ages: A comprehensive overview of Europe, 500-1500
- Heston’s Medieval feast
some of a.l. Tait’s favourite books for kids about castles, kingdoms, MEDIEVAL LIFE and the middle ages:
- A Street Through Time Steve Noon
- Medieval Fashion Picture Book Laura Cowan and Elena Selinova
- Stephen Biesty’s Cross-sections Castle DK
- Medieval Castle: Inside Out Justine Ciovacco
- The Making Of A Knight Patrick O’Brien (6-8)
- St George and The Dragon Margaret Hodges and Trina Schart Hyman (6-9)
- A Kid’s Life During The Middle Ages Sarah Machajewski (8+)
- Horrible Histories: Dark Knights and Dingy Castles Terry Deary (8+)
- Horrible Histories: Measly Middle Ages Terry Deary (8+)
- The Squire’s Tale by Gerald Morris (9-12)
- Women And Girls In The Middle Ages Kay Eastwood (9-12)
- The World Of The Medieval Knight Charles Phillips (12+)
Things to watch and do:
- The Secrets Of The Castle (watch episode #1 here)
- Secrets Of Great British Castles
- Developing observation skills in younger students
- Secret Societies: Codes, Ciphers & Philosophy Activity
- Medieval Women Teaching Pack
Like to know EVEN more?
Discover BOOKS BY A. L. TAIT
THE FIRE STAR is the first Maven & Reeve mystery, but not the first ‘almost history’ world created by A. L. Tait.
If you loved the vivid characters, exciting adventure and brilliant details of THE FIRE STAR, try THE MAPMAKER CHRONICLES, the epic story of a race to map the world, or THE ATEBAN CIPHER novels, an intriguing tale of a mysterious and beautiful book.
