The Door in the Wall

The Door in the Wall
Author(s)	Marguerite de Angeli
Country	United States
Language	English
Genre(s)	Children's novel
Publisher	Doubleday
Publication date	1949
Media type	Print (Hardback & Paperback)
Pages	121 pp (first edition, and hardback)
ISBN	NA

The Door in the Wall is a 1949 novel by Marguerite de Angeli that received the Newbery Medal for excellence in American children's literature in 1950.

Plot summary

The story, illustrated by the author, is set in Britain during the Middle Ages, as the bubonic plague is sweeping across the country. Young Robin wants to be a knight like his father, but his dreams are endangered when he becomes ill and loses the use of his legs. A doctor reassures Robin that the weakness in his legs is not caused by the plague. His parents are away, serving the king and queen during war, and the servants abandon the house, fearing the plague. Robin is saved by Brother Luke, a friar, who takes him to a monastery and cares for him.

Brother Luke teaches Robin how to swim and carve wood also be independent and build self confidence, but Robin also learns patience and strength from the friar. The friar also keeps telling him before overcoming a challenge you must first find "the door in the wall".

Robin's parents had planned for him to become a knight and to stay with Sir Peter de Lindsay to be a page first. John Go-in-the-Wynd, a minstrel, gives him a letter from Robin's father telling him and John Go-in-the-Wynd and Brother Luke to go to Lindsay. They get there after traveling for long hours, almost being robbed, and going on the wrong road for a time. When the castle of Peter de Lindsay is besieged by the Welsh and unable to send word for assistance, Robin swims the moat, hobbles through enemy lines using his crutches, disguised as a shepherd, and alerts a messenger. John Go-in-the-Wynd sends for Sir Hugh's help, and they defeat the Welsh invaders. The king and his forces deliver the inhabitants of the castle. Robin is reunited with his parents and they assure him that they love him more for his brave spirit than for his physical prowess. He is then knighted for his service to the crown.

The term "door in the wall" means if one keeps trying and never gives up, they'll find a way to break through and to succeed.

Awards
Preceded by King of the Wind	Newbery Medal recipient 1950	Succeeded by Amos Fortune, Free Man