Newbery Medal Winner

The Trumpeter of Krakow

by Eric P. Kelly

Summary

Set in fifteenth century Poland, this historical adventure centers on a family guarding a precious jewel and on the legend of the trumpeter who sounds the Heynal call from a church tower in Krakow. Kelly builds suspense around alchemy, intrigue, and a city under threat, drawing on time he spent living in Poland. The novel brings medieval Polish history and folklore to young readers.

Historical Context & Significance

Kelly based the book on the real Heynal trumpet call still played daily from the tower of St. Mary's Basilica in Krakow.