The Trumpeter of Krakow

by Eric P. Kelly
Ages 12+

A fictional story based on the history of Krakow. Joseph and his family are forced from Ukraine to Krakow, Poland in 1461 after their home is burned to the ground by Cossack-Tarters. His family tries to hide in the city but they are hunted by the infamous "Peter the Button Face" (for a birthmark on his cheek). Peter knows Joseph's father is hiding the "Great Tarnov Crystal" and has been asked to obtain it by any means. Joseph settles into his new identity making friends with his neighbors, Elizabeth and her uncle, an alchemist. Joseph's father takes the job of the trumpeter in the evenings to keep his face hidden. The book shares the many attempts by Peter to steal the crystal.

This book won the Newbery Medal in 1929. I was easily confused by this book. It is a great story, but times have changed. I had a hard time keeping focused on what was happening in the story and had to reread many parts again to understand the plot. I think children who have heritage from this part of Europe or interest in Polish history may enjoy this book, not my favorite.