Lisa Ann Sandell has done a marvelous job retelling The Lady of Shallot by Tennyson.

Song of the Sparrow is written in beautiful verse, which enhances the tale and keeps the reader turning pages. The heroine, Elaine of Ascot, lives in a British encampment with her father and brothers. She mends clothes and tends to the wounded, but longs for a nobler role. The story predates Camelot, but Arthur, Lancelot, and Gwynivere are a significant part of Elaine’s tale.  

I read Song of the Sparrow in one sitting, and highly recommend it for summer reading. Just under 400 pages, Song of the Sparrow is appropriate for all readers middle school and above.

Sandell, Lisa Ann. Song of the Sparrow. Scholastic Inc., 2008.