In 1350 France, Boy is an orphan bullied and shunned because of the hump on his back. To escape his daily torment, he agrees to accompany a stranger named Secundus, who’s on a quest find the seven relics of St. Peter in order to get into heaven. Secundus already has the saintly rib, but he still needs tooth, thumb, toe, dust, skull, and tomb. It turns out Secundus is willing to beg, borrow, and steal to get the relics, which results in more than one narrow escape for the two as they journey across France to Rome. Secundus doesn’t want to explain why he’s in need of the relics to get into heaven. But Boy is keeping a few secrets of his own: He doesn’t need to eat and he has a deep empathy for and ability to communicate with animals. And then there’s what’s under his shirt; something he’s learned never to reveal. Beautiful bookmaking graces a singular story that is full of humor, warmth, and surprises, not the least of which is the true identity of Boy, who longs to be a real boy. Fascinating historical details are woven into a narrative told in Boy’s voice full of innocence and wisdom, and brimming with humanity. (Ages 8–11)

A Newbery Honor Book * Booklist Editors’ Choice * BookPage Best Books * Chicago Public Library Best Fiction * Horn Book Fanfare * Kirkus Reviews Best Books * Publishers Weekly Best Books * Wall Street Journal Best of the Year * An ALA Notable Book

A young outcast is swept up into a thrilling and perilous medieval treasure hunt in this award-winning literary page-turner by acclaimed bestselling author Catherine Gilbert Murdock. The Book of Boy was awarded a Newbery Honor. “A treat from start to finish.”—Wall Street Journal

Boy has always been relegated to the outskirts of his small village. With a hump on his back, a mysterious past, and a tendency to talk to animals, he is often mocked by others in his town—until the arrival of a shadowy pilgrim named Secondus. Impressed with Boy’s climbing and jumping abilities, Secondus engages Boy as his servant, pulling him into an action-packed and suspenseful expedition across Europe to gather seven precious relics of Saint Peter.

Boy quickly realizes this journey is not an innocent one. They are stealing the relics and accumulating dangerous enemies in the process. But Boy is determined to see this pilgrimage through until the end—for what if St. Peter has the power to make him the same as the other boys?

This epic and engrossing quest story by Newbery Honor author Catherine Gilbert Murdock is for fans of Adam Gidwitz’s The Inquisitor’s Tale and Grace Lin’s Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, and for readers of all ages. Features a map and black-and-white art by Ian Schoenherr throughout.