Book Thoughts: The Apple and the Arrow (Buff)

• the historical legend of William Tell told from the perspective of his eldest son
• theme/message is to resist evil tyranny
• convo: some violence mentioned (murder, blinding an old man, “His daughter had suffered at the hands of one of Gessler’s soldiers”), mentions wine
• language: a few instances of “for the Virgin’s sake”

Type: short chapter book (or long picture book)
Ages: 7-12
Authors: Mary and Conrad Buff

My kids really enjoyed hearing this book aloud. Though experts disagree on which points are facts or fiction, it’s still a great story. With its nuclear family, a very manly father and the general message of resisting tyranny, this book is surely never to be popular. 😉 Definitely a well-written living story that would make a great addition to historical studies!

Neat fact: Switzerland was created out of these geographical areas’ revolts against the tyranny.