What People Are Saying

Reviews of Lady Lucy’s Quest by Elementary Students at Molly Stark School in Bennington VT

Sampling of reviews written – Oct/Nov 2016

Please write and send in your own reviews.

“What a great message in these books and never too late to build confidence in our little ones.”
— Deb

December 11, 2016 from emilyreviews.com

“Believe in the power of possible- I like that! My kidlet wanted something uplifting on her wall. This sounds perfect!!”
— Jeanine

December 11, 2016 from emilyreviews.com

“I love books that empower girls to be what they want to be and not limiting their dreams. Awesome!!”
— Jeanine

November 3, 2016 from emilyreviews.com

“This book is well written and has a lot of fun illustrations for kids. My girls just love this book. They have had me read it to them so many times that they pretty much have it memorized word for word. It is wonderfully written and illustrated and my kids and I are very pleased with it. It has made a great addition to our book collection!”
— Stephanie

Read the full review at: tiffanyreviews.com

“This book is sure to become a classic! It sends an uplifting and powerful message to inspire our children to overcome obstacles, small or large. Lady Lucy has a real life persona that we can all relate to. Parents, you will enjoy reading this aloud to your dumplings. The illustrations are wonderful and imaginative. Spread the word!”
— Cynthia

“I am a library media specialist at an elementary school. This book is on the top of my list in my library. As a teacher, you can use this book to address so many things with your students: following your dreams, courage, survival, and so much more. I really liked how the author used high school students to do the illustrations. This goes on to prove that you can do anything if you are determined, have courage and follow your dreams, just like Lucy!”
— Allyson

“I enjoyed reading Lady Lucy’s Quest. It should give both boys and girls much to think about. I particularly liked the idea that it was illustrated by high school seniors. This collaboration with young people is inspiring. Since the impossibility of girls becoming knights was accepted in the middle ages, no written rules were necessary.

This is not only a book discussing the issue of gender and what can be accomplished if there are no rules written down forbidding something, it also raises questions about the definition of endurance, strength and courage. This book can also be seen as a comment on contemporary politics where women are assuming more of the power that has traditionally been the exclusive right of men.”
— Sally

“With unwavering strength and courage, Lady Lucy defies odds (and surprises everyone) when she uses her ingenuity to become a knight. Told that girls cannot possibly pass the test of Knighthood, Lucy proves all to be wrong in a satisfying story reminiscent of The Paper Bag Princess. Full of girl-power and self-realization, Karen Gross’ story delivers both graceful prose and gorgeous illustrations by Emma Willard School student’s (Shin & Jang) that give this tale an air of timelessness that will allow it to be enjoyed by kids of many ages.”
— Aubrey

“Powerful message for EVERYONE. A modern day fairy-tale. This book inspires children to dream and tells them not to accept less than what they know deep down they are capable of achieving. It is a fun story that holds your attention. Lady Lucy is very likeable and we all can identify with her in some way. Clever and creative story! Highly recommended!”
— Alison

“I enjoyed reading Lady Lucy’s Quest. It should give both boys and girls much to think about. I particularly liked the idea that it was illustrated by high school seniors. This collaboration with young people is inspiring. Since the impossibility of girls becoming knights was accepted in the middle ages, no written rules were necessary. This is not only a book discussing the issue of gender and what can be accomplished if there are no rules written down forbidding something, it also raises questions about the definition of endurance, strength and courage. This book can also be seen as a comment on contemporary politics where women are assuming more of the power that has traditionally been the exclusive right of men.”
— Irene

“A book that will inspire and empower all young children. More than just a children’s book – Lady Lucy will warm your heart and open a great discussion with your children about endurance, strength and courage. Lady Lucy’s Quest demonstrates the importance of pursuing one’s dreams and is sure to inspire all children that they CAN achieve what might seem to be the impossible. A great gift!”
— Debbi

“I have an 8 year old son with a very active imagination. It was just a few years ago he refused to leave home without his cape and Thor hammer-grocery shopping, even at my sister’s wedding (she let him have it walking down the aisle in suit and tie) because he would say he needs it at all times “….just in case”. It was a game and he did it, not due to any anxiety, but because he was a little ham and loved the attention he’d get when stopped and asked about his ‘costumes’. Kids have wild imaginations and Lady Lucy’s Quest is for all of the children who dream big.”

“The story is about a young girl who wants to be a night in the Middle Ages. Quest after quest, Lady Lucy must prove her worthiness to join the Knights of the Round Table. But will her unusual and unique solutions to each hurdle and obstacle thrown in her path lead her to success? This delightful book demonstrates the importance of pursuing one’s dreams and is sure to inspire kids that they CAN achieve what might seem to be impossible!”
— Erinn

Read the full review at: ParentingHealthy.com

My daughters have very definite interests. My older one loves dragons and helping people; my younger one loves ninjas and superheroes. Both of them enjoyed the story behind Lady Lucy’s Quest, a very non-traditional fairy-tale type book that I recently got to review.

Lady Lucy wants to be a night. But girls can’t be knights! Still, she’s given a chance, and has to prove herself through three quests. She comes up with very nontraditional ways to solve each, with a twist that is quite unexpected.

The story behind the book is also great. Not only is it an inspiring story for all readers, especially girls, but the author chose two high school seniors to do the wonderful illustrations, supporting some young talent.

Karen Gross is a lifelong teacher/professor, and former Senior Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of Education. She is passionate about student learning and empowerment, and hopes this new book will inspire kids across the country that they can achieve what seems to be impossible. She herself is living proof of that!
— Bekah

Read the full review at: Motherhood Moment

“Every parent’s favorite time of the day: No, not coming home to enjoy dinner after a long day’s work – we’re talking about the arduous meditation process, which occurs when bedtime rolls around. Whether it’s playful pushback or an entrenched youngster committed to staying up “just 10 more minutes,” turning off the television and calling it a night is never simple. And why should it be? Kids these days have a plethora of entertainment options. Who can blame them for wanting to finish their favorite on-demand television show?

What’s needed for a smooth transition is an alternative – a bargaining chip that makes turning in for the night less of an imposition on fun and more of a transition to a different, yet enjoyable, activity. At ReviewLoft, we have found the solution: Lady Lucy’s Quest – the book your child won’t lament reading, in place of watching something that exists behind a screen.

Before you stop reading – we understand that a book can be a difficult sell. We assure you that Lady Lucy is a character that both children and parents can fall in love with. Still fairly uncommon in children’s books, she is a strong lead female character that young boys and girls, alike, can look to for inspiration. The short story describes a young girl who dreams of becoming a knight of the round table. Lucy’s journey is one of perseverance and excitement. Her clever solutions, on the path to knighthood, emphasize the importance of creativity and friendship, making the enchanting bed-time story both fascinating and heartwarming.”
— DGI WIRE

Read the full review at: DGIwire.com

“Lady Lucy’s Quest is not only a wonderful book full of adventure, but a character building book for your kids (and who are we kidding, a kind reminder for parents too!) We recommend you get this book for your summer reading list today!”
— Thebabyspot.ca

Read the full review at: Thebabyspot.ca

“Lady Lucy’s Quest is an inspirational book for young women (especially, plus young men) about a the dreams and goals of a real person, lady Lucy Duff-Gordon. Filled with fantastic, fairy-like images in illuminating portraits of a brave girl with a vision and a dream. Lucy wanted to be a Knight, but her parents and the rulemakers of the Kingdom told her she could not because it was against the Kingdom’s Book of Rules. Lucy questioned the practice of excluding girls, challenging Sir Winston by asking him to show her where in the book of Rules it said a girl cannot become a Knight. Lucy eventually persuaded the rule supporters that she should at least be allowed to take the three tests of knighthood: to prove endurance, strength, and courage. This she is allowed to do. Lucy proves amazingly resourceful and imaginative in her response to the difficult tests. In the end, Lady Lucy was actually knighted and “lived a long and happy life as a Knight, doing good deeds and helping hundreds of others with both courage and grace.” Lady Lucy’s Quest is an inspirational book for today’s young dreamers of both sexes.”
— Midwest Book Review