Katherine Paterson's wide reading led her to the Parzival story, in which a simple but handsome boy becomes a knight in King Arthur's court, discovers he is of noble birth, and undertakes to seek the Holy Grail, emblem of enlightenment and redemption. The author's craftsmanship is apparent on every page as she retells a thirteenth-century epic poem by Wolfram yon Eschenbach. Parzival sets out on a long, five-year journey, going from wilderness to mountain, until finally he asks the proper question and is crowned the Grail King. Told with compassion, wit, and humor, and with great economy, this is a story that will open new worlds for readers of all ages. Both an adventure story and a spiritual quest, it makes a wonderful Easter gift. It is a story to be read on many different levels and will gain for its author many new fans.