The Door in the Wall

The Door in the Wall	Doubleday & Company. Inc.
Written by Marguerite De Angeli	1949
Historical Fiction	121 pages
Reading Level age 9-12	Newberry Award

Summary

Robin is the son of a nobleman who went off to serve in the war. His mother was commissioned to be a lady in waiting to the queen and Robin is left with the servants. He falls sick and loses the ability to use his legs. The servants fearing the plague leave the house. Robin is left in his bed until a monk, Brother Luke, comes and takes him to the monastery nearby. Brother Luke tells him to look for the door in the wall of his challenge and that he will overcome his crippled legs by doing other things. Brother Luke teaches him to whittle and to swim, focusing on strengthening his arms and hands. Robin fashions crutches that he learns how to use and is eventually able to pass all the children on his crutches in foot races. Robin gets word from his father that he traveling so Robin, Brother Luke and a minstrel John set off to meet with his father. They travel through the forest with Robin walking and taking turn riding the horse with Brother Luke. They narrowly escape being robbed at an inn and get lost at a fork in the road. They finally reach a castle where they rest for the night. John leaves to visit his mother who lives a town over. The castle is soon surrounded with the entry blocked by an army. There isn’t a way to get word for help. The lord of castle mentions a side door that may be a way to get help. Robin volunteers to go, since he can go through the enemy camp without suspicions. He descends the stairs and swims the cold deep water of the moat. He walks through the sentries and hobbles as he could on his crutches to get John for help. John leaves Robin with his mother and travels to get the king and his army to defeat the enemies. The king is thankful for Robin and knights him for his bravery and perseverance. Robin is reunited with his parents that are so proud of him even without his legs working. He proved that he could do things no matter the difficulties.

Response

I thought that the morals were uplifting and that the characters were good role models to emulate. The plot was slow at the beginning but moved at a better pace once the journey started. I loved the determination of Robin, even if he was difficult and unwilling at the beginning of his stay at the monastery. Brother Luke was always clam and patient which are important traits to foster.

Potential Problems

At first Robin is ungrateful and rude to his servants and with Brother Luke at the monastery. His attitude isn’t the best to try and imitate until he becomes enabled through his hard work and Brother Luke’s help.

Recommendation

I would recommend this book to students who enjoy learning about the middle ages and the way of life then. It would be an introduction to history lessons and great example of growing through life’s trials and misfortunes.