Red Hugh, Prince of Donegal
Recommended. Age: 10+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
This is a true story told as a boy's adventure. Hugh is brave, stubborn and loyal to his family, his people and their Catholic faith under a queen who wants all three broken. The escape through the snow is the heart of it. The one reservation is that the English are drawn as plain villains, so a parent should add some history.
For parents
Read aloud from 8, independent reading from 10. Good Books for Catholic Kids lists it for ages 10 to 11 and Seton for grade 5. Expect sword fights and a hard prison. Ask what kept Hugh going in the snow. Ask whether loving your country ever excuses hating another.