The Door in the Wall

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The Door in the Wall
Author	Marguerite de Angeli
Country	United States
Language	English
Genre(s)	Children's novel
Publisher	Doubleday
Publication date	1949
Media type	Print (Hardback & Paperback)
Pages	121 pp (first edition, hardback)
ISBN	NA

The Door in the Wall is a 1949 novel by Marguerite de Angeli that received the Newbery Medal for excellence in American children's literature in 1950.

[edit] Plot summary

The story, illustrated by the author, is set in medieval England, as the plague is sweeping across the country. Young Robin wants to be a knight like his father, but his dreams are endangered when he becomes ill and loses the use of his legs. A doctor reassures Robin that the weakness in his legs is not caused by the plague. His parents are away, serving the king and queen during war, and the servants abandon the house, fearing the plague. Robin is saved by Brother Luke, a friar, who takes him to a monastery and cares for him.

Brother Luke teaches Robin how to swim and carve wood, but Robin also learns patience and strength from the friar. The friar also keeps telling him before overcoming a challenge you must first find "the door in the wall".

Robin's parents had planned for him to become a page, and as the friars cannot reach Robin's parents, Brother Luke takes him to the castle where he would have served. When the castle is besieged and unable to send word for assistance, Robin swims the moat, hobbles through enemy lines disguised as a shepherd, and alerts a messenger. The king and his forces deliver the inhabitants of the castle. Robin is reunited with his parents and they assure him that they love him more for his brave spirit than for his physical prowess. He is then knighted for his service to the crown.