Cushman, Karen. (2012). Will Sparrow's Road. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN: 9780547739625.
B. Plot Summary:
Karen Cushman presents a novel written in the late 1500s set in England. 13 year-old Will Sparrow, a young thief, is on the run to the road to nowhere. He's been abandoned by his mother. His father has sold him in exchange for alcohol. He flees even though he is barefoot and has no money. His main goal is to take care of himself and worry about nothing but his feeding his belly. On his journey, he encounters many unusual people who take advantage of him. Will is young and naive, and the older, wiser, and more experienced characters can see right through it.
After being tricked twice, Will comes across Master Tidball and his oddities at a market fair. He finds success with this group as he travels with them and their performances, even though he struggles to get along with the dwarf, Fitz. One of the oddities is Greymalkin, half cat and half girl. He becomes friends with her and learns that her name is Grace Wyse. Will soon discovers that things are not always as they seem. He learns that the master he has looked up to is evil and doesn't care about the people he works with. Will then values his friendship with Grace and Fitz, as he learns to think of others' needs and not just himself.
C. Critical Analysis:
Will Sparrow's Road takes the reader back to the Elizabethan Era in late sixteenth century England. Readers get a glimpse into their odd, yet interesting market fairs. The reader is able to clearly visualize the experiences of the Elizabethan time period due to Cushman's attention to detail. While reading, we are introduced to songs, clothes (padded doublets) and foods of this time period. There were some terms that I had to look up as well while reading this historical novel (avaunt)! This was a time period that I knew almost nothing about, so I appreciated Cushman's research and inspirations provided in the Author's note. The reader will feel a connection with the mischievous Will and kind hearted Grace.
The theme of this historical novel is to not judge someone by their looks. Will is able to overlook Grace and Fitz's difference in appearance as he discovers their true friendship.
D. Review Excerpts:
**Kirkus Reviews states "Cushman, a Newbery Award– and Honor–winning author for her historical novels featuring girls, now presents a boy as her protagonist. She sends him on an inner journey as well as a physical one, allowing him to grow in empathy and to see past people's physical appearances into their true character. A compelling coming-of-age road trip."
**Publisher's Weekly states, "Offering action, humor, and heart in equal doses, Cushman’s story is, at its core, about creating and claiming a family of one’s own. Readers will be ready to follow Will anywhere from the very first page. "
E. Connections:
Students might enjoy exploring more of the Elizabethan Era. One book that students can read is If You Were Me and Lived in Elizabethan England by Carole Roman. It would be fun for students to explore Shakespeare poetry or Reader's Theater.
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