The Plague

This dark piece of historical fiction, set during the Black Death, is gritty and realistic in its portrayal of the pandemic, even as Dahme (Creepers) introduces supernatural elements to the story. Orphaned Nell, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Princess Joan, daughter of England's King Edward III, is enlisted by the king to be his daughter's body-double. When the princess dies from the plague that is ravaging Europe, Nell is unwillingly made party to a plot-masterminded by Joan's brother, the Black Prince-to marry the Spanish Prince Pedro in place of the late princess. With the help of some accomplices, Nell and her younger brother, George, flee, finding the deceased and dying at every turn. Throughout, Dahme makes the plague's emotional toll evident (""we watched cart after cart empty their contents into the pits. I couldn't call them people, the things in the carts, or I would have to cry out in despair.... There was nothing to define these forms as men, women, or child""). A harrowing and grim historical fantasy. Ages 14-up.