In a world where thousands are dying over matters of religion, where do you go? What do you believe? Who do you put your own faith in? These questions, so relevant to growing up in 2006, are also questions faced by young people hundreds of years ago as they saw their cities and towns destroyed by the Christian Crusades. Based on a true story of a peaceful crusade in 1212 led by children, this book traces the lives of three multifaith characters as they try to find answers to these (unfortunately) persistent questions. Award-winning author Kathleen McDonnell vividly draws a world both dramatically different and remarkably similar to our own. An ideal pick for curriculum links to social studies, history, philosophy and religion.

“Kathleen McDonnell vividly brings the 13th-century world of these child crusaders to life, but 1212 is also a novel that feels very contemporary in its exploration of the themes of religious tolerance, empire building, and war and peace… An imaginatively powerful recreation of this unforgettable historical moment.” – Jeffrey Canton, in Quill and Quire

“Kathleen McDonnell has written a well-researched historical novel which offers readers the chance to explore the possibility of understanding and peace between world factions that to this day are still at war. Highly Recommended.” – Betty Klassen, in CM Magazine

“Eventful, exciting and thought-provoking.” – Anne Boulanger, in Burnaby Now

Download the Teacher’s Guide for this book from our Resources section