What Are Castles and Knights?

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

Go back to the thrilling time of warring knights who were prepared to give their life in order to protect their lord and his castle.

Castles may conjure up a romantic fairy tale world; however, in real life, during the Middle Ages, castles were fortresses, providing shelter and protection for the lord as well as for the peasants who lived on his land. For an army, a lord depended on young soldiers in armor called knights who spent years at the castle learning the skills of warfare.

Author Sarah Fabiny dives into the history of castles and how they grew from simple wood structures to mighty fortresses in stone. She also explains who could become a knight and what their lives were like off of the battlefield, enjoying feasts, courting their lady loves, and showing off in tournaments.

With 80 fun black-and-white illustrations and an engaging 16-page photo insert, readers will be excited to read this latest addition to Who HQ!

Series Overview: A natural expansion of the exceptional Who Was? series, What Was? focuses on compelling historical events, great battles, protests, and discoveries.

About the Author

Sarah Fabiny has written several Who HQ titles, including Who Was Beatrix Potter?, Was Was Frida Kahlo?, and What Is NASA?

Author Residence: Wisconsin