Best Arthurian Books For Teens

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Gerald Morris's series of Arthurian tales are a great read for middle grades, but witty and thoughtful enough for older readers to enjoy. Most of them give the traditional stories a fresh spin by retelling them from the viewpoint of a minor character, such as the aforementioned squire. The characters are well rounded and engaging, especially the often neglected female cast.

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Sutcliff wrote "Sword at Sunset", a historical take on the Arthurian Legend for adults. Her trilogy for younger readers takes a more traditional approach, but the writing is just as flawless. The first book focuses on Arthur's rise and reign, the second on the Quest for the Holy Grail, and the third on the fall of the Round Table.

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Though not a personal favorite, Nancy Springer's book is noteworthy for focusing on a female character, Morgan le Fay, describing her childhood and youth, her education in magic, and how she ultimately becomes the villain of the piece. If you or your teen enjoy this book, don't miss the equally haunting companion volume, "I am Mordred".

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I picked this book up on a whim, expecting it to be mediocre, and was blown away. Philip Reeve's cynical take on the legend is told from the viewpoint of Gwyna, an orphaned girl adopted by Merlin. The violence is fairly graphic at times, but it also has funny moments, surprising twists, and an interesting message about the nature of stories.

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One of my all-time favorites, Elizabeth Wein's novel deals with the alliances and rivalries between Arthur's children -- Medraut, Lleu and Goewin -- and the intrigues of his sister Morgause. Though intense and often dark, it's not as relentlessly grim as "Here Lies Arthur", and beautifully atmospheric. If you enjoy it, it's worth checking out the sequels, which veer farther from Arthurian canon and into the history of medieval Africa.