The Unfortunate Son

By Constance Leeds
(Viking Juvenile, Hardcover, 9780670013982)

Publication Date: June 14, 2012

Categories: Historical - Europe, Historical - Africa

Selected by Indie Booksellers for the Summer 2012 Kids' Next List

“In southern France in 1486, Luc, the second son of the Count de Muguet is born and rejected by his father and cast out of the castle because he is born without an external ear. Luc is hidden at a farm and is never told of his lineage. He is not deaf, but is sharp in hearing as well as in vision and blessed with a strong work ethic and warmth for others. Luc is taken in by a fisherman and his sister, who also house a girl of the same age. Luc takes to his newfound family, and he and the girl become attracted to each other. Then Luc is taken prisoner by a slaver and sold to a wealthy Arab merchant who becomes his teacher and mentor, forcing Luc to accept that becoming literate and using his gifts to care for others is worth more than freedom.”

-- Jack Blanchard, Fairy Godmother, Washington, DC

Description

Kidnapping, family secrets, and adventure on the high seas--perfect for middle grade fans of historical fiction!

What does it mean to be lucky? Luc doesn't really know. He was born with just one ear, his father constantly berates him, and his younger brother is already bigger and stronger than he is. But when he is chosen to become an apprentice to a local fisherman, his life takes a turn for the better. Luc is a natural at sea, and before long he and a teenaged girl who lives with the fisherman form a strong bond. That bond is tested when Luc is taken captive by a band of merciless pirates, and sold into slavery.

Moving from 1485 to 1500, from France to Africa, from humble beginnings to a noble future, this historical fiction adventure will leave readers pondering the true meaning of good fortune.

About the Author

Constance Leeds (1950 - 2012) was also the author of The Silver Cup, winner of the IRA's 2008 Children's and Young Adult Book Award in the Intermediate Fiction category. She lived in Boston, Massachusetts.

Praise For The Unfortunate Son…

"The nature of luck, fortune and fate is dissected and reexamined over the course of this outstanding novel. Engaging from the very first page, this is one work of historical fiction that will have even readers who prefer fantasy clamoring for a sequel."
-Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Leeds' stellar central cast, with their great hearts and plausible flaws, is bound to charm the audience."
-The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review

"Readers are effortlessly transported back to 15th-century France in this beautiful tale of misfortune turned salvation."
-School Library Journal, starred review

"Leeds' story, by turns epic, intimate, tangled, and romantic, takes a cast of indelibly colorful characters across continents steeped in a sense of place and paints a visceral picture of duty, perseverance, and their just reward."
-Booklist

Summer 2012 Kids' Indie Next Pick
-Indiebound

Selected for the New York Public Library's 100 Books for Reading and Sharing list

This book is on these lists:

October by Juniebelleseven

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