The Door in the Wall
Recommended. Age: 12+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
This short Newbery winner shows the medieval Church as a place of mercy. Brother Luke carries a crippled boy to the monastery, prays with him, and teaches him that every wall has a door if he keeps looking. Robin's courage grows out of patience and prayer, not strength. The one reservation is the old-fashioned language, which can slow a young reader.
For parents
Read aloud from 7. Independent reading from 9 or 10. Plugged In says 10 and up. Ask what Brother Luke means by a door in the wall. Ask your child to name a wall in his own life and what the door might be. Pray for someone who is sick.