The Blackthorn Key by Kevin SandsGratitude
Thank you to my student who recommended that I read Kevin Sands' The Blackthorn Key and lent me their copy.
Description
In The Blackthorn Key, by Kevin Sands, Christopher counts himself as lucky–he is apprenticed to an apothecary who treats him kindly and even patiently when his antics cause a mess. His best friend, Tom, is not only as loyal as anyone could dream of, but he is also the baker’s son. Not that Tom’s father willingly gives away freebies, but still. Christopher also likes learning the work, and his master trains him in other fields, including codes.
As an orphan, the shop is the only home he has ever known and his master the only family. Christopher’s world is threatened, however, by a mysterious cult of apothecaries has been killing off other apothecaries. He is terrified when his master comes home badly injured. He fears that the cult will take away the safety and stability he has known for such a short time.
As an orphan, the shop is the only home he has ever known and his master the only family. Christopher’s world is threatened, however, by a mysterious cult of apothecaries has been killing off other apothecaries. He is terrified when his master comes home badly injured. He fears that the cult will take away the safety and stability he has known for such a short time.
Would I Teach This Book?
Would I teach The Blackthorn Key? The Blackthorn Key is both mystery and historical fiction. Set in the political turmoil of 1665 and full of riddles and codes to be broken, Christopher is clever and resourceful. He knows that without the protection of his master how dangerous the world can be for a boy like him. And yet he still has a sense of playfulness, mischief, and kindness. Tom is a good companion for Christopher, and the two of them are clever and funny. The book has some splashes of death, but it is not particularly scary or dark.
While I am not racing to find the sequel, I would be interested in reading it if it became available to me. I would consider offering it as a choice for a unit and would certainly stock it in my classroom library.
While I am not racing to find the sequel, I would be interested in reading it if it became available to me. I would consider offering it as a choice for a unit and would certainly stock it in my classroom library.
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