A fictional account of the Children's Crusade in the 13th Century, originally published by Black Dog Books in 2009.
A charismatic religious leader has come to Gabriel's village. Stephan has convinced Gabriel that only children will be able to liberate the Holy Land from the Saracen. Together they raise an army and make the dangerous journey over the Alps to the Mediterranean, where Stephan claims the ocean will part before them. But the power of Stephan's promises dim as the children suffer misadventure again and again. Gabriel must face his doubts and the questions that plague him. Who is Stephan? Is he really a holy prophet? Or has he doomed them all? And can they survive on faith alone?
Beautifully written in a lyrical style
Junior Bookseller+Publisher
CBCA Honour Book (Older Readers)
Highly Commended, Prime Minister’s Literary Award