The Beatryce Prophecy — Content Guide for Parents
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
From two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo and two-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall comes a fantastical meditation on fate, love, and the power of words to spell the world.
We shall all, in the end, be led to where we belong. We shall all, in the end, find our way home.
In a time of war, a mysterious child appears at the monastery of the Order of the Chronicles of Sorrowing. Gentle Brother Edik finds the girl, Beatryce, curled in a stall, wracked with fever, coated in dirt and blood, and holding fast to the ear of Answelica the goat. As the monk nurses Beatryce to health, he uncovers her dangerous secret, one that imperils them all—for the king of the land seeks just such a girl, and Brother Edik, who penned the prophecy himself, knows why.
And so it is that a girl with a head full of stories—powerful tales-within-the-tale of queens and kings, mermaids and wolves—ventures into a dark wood in search of the castle of one who wishes her dead. But Beatryce knows that, should she lose her way, those who love her—a wild-eyed monk, a man who had once been king, a boy with a terrible sword, and a goat with a head as hard as stone—will never give up searching for her, and to know this is to know everything. With its timeless themes, unforgettable cast, and magical medieval setting, Kate DiCamillo’s lyrical tale, paired with resonant black-and-white illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall, is a true collaboration between masters.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Beatryce Prophecy appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book is set in a war-torn medieval world where Beatryce's brothers have been brutally murdered, and she is pursued by soldiers. This context of violence is integral to the plot and affects the characters' experiences throughout the story. The story contains elements that may be frightening for younger readers, such as the murder of Beatryce's brothers and her ongoing danger from those seeking to harm her. These themes of danger and loss could evoke fear or distress.
Does The Beatryce Prophecy have violence?
The book is set in a war-torn medieval world where Beatryce's brothers have been brutally murdered, and she is pursued by soldiers. This context of violence is integral to the plot and affects the characters' experiences throughout the story.
Does The Beatryce Prophecy have scary content?
The story contains elements that may be frightening for younger readers, such as the murder of Beatryce's brothers and her ongoing danger from those seeking to harm her. These themes of danger and loss could evoke fear or distress.
Does The Beatryce Prophecy have religious themes?
No explicit religious practices, beliefs, or ceremonies are depicted in the book. While there are mentions of monks and a monastery, the narrative does not focus on religious themes or teachings.
Does The Beatryce Prophecy have racial/cultural content?
Race is not a central theme in the book. While characters are described, the narrative does not address issues of race or racism explicitly, focusing instead on the medieval setting and the characters' personal struggles.
Does The Beatryce Prophecy have profanity?
There is no profanity in the book. The language used is appropriate for the target audience of middle-grade readers.
Does The Beatryce Prophecy have climate change?
There are no climate themes present in the book. The focus is on personal and societal struggles rather than environmental issues.
Does The Beatryce Prophecy have sexual identity?
No sexual content is present in the book. The narrative focuses on adventure and survival without any references to romantic or sexual themes.
Does The Beatryce Prophecy have gender roles?
The book presents a critique of traditional gender roles, as it highlights the challenges Beatryce faces as a girl who can read and write in a society where this is forbidden. The narrative promotes themes of girl power and empowerment in a restrictive environment.
Does The Beatryce Prophecy have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes are present in the book. The narrative focuses on a young girl named Beatryce in a medieval setting, dealing with issues of survival and identity, without any mention of LGBTQ+ characters or themes.
