Now that summer has come to an end, I am looking forward to the cooler autumn day and one of my favorite outings to do with family and friends-heading to the Renaissance Faire, where jousts are recreated, giant turkey legs are devoured, and many attendees enjoy participating in period garb. For my fellow faire fans, I hope you enjoy your visits and check out some of the items available to our Hoboken patrons.
For Kids and Teens
All’s Faire in Middle School
by Victoria Jamieson
Imogene is a homeschooled eleven year old whose parents work at a Renaissance Faire, who must now make the transition to a public middle school. This graphic novel of a would-be knight-in-training battling the “dragons” of middle school is a good read for tweens looking to fight for their place in a frequently less than chivalrous world.
Great Medieval Projects You Can Build Yourself
by Kris Bordessa and Shawn Braley
Image from Hoopladigital.com
My son loves stories of knights and wizards. If your child too is enamored with fantasy or tales from the middle ages than they may enjoy Great Medieval Projects You Can Build Yourself which includes activities geared towards kids ages 9 to 12. Besides the fun hands on activities children are also provided with historically accurate information that will give them an understanding of the period that laid the foundation for the renaissance.
My Faire Lady
by Laura Wettersten
In My Faire Lady, Rowena gets a surprising summer job after her boyfriend cheats on her and she wants an excuse to get out of town. New experiences and new romance blossom for her at the Ren Faire.
For Adults
American Princess
Image from Hoopladigital.com
In American Princess, an Upper East Side “Princess” dream wedding is derailed when she catches her husband cheating on her. In her escape from her wedding venue, she stumbles on a Renaissance Festival whose staff take her in and provide her with a job and a family while her ego and psyche heal. I missed the show when it premiered at the beginning of the summer so was happy when I saw it available from Hoopla. I found it delightfully funny. The creator based it on her own experience working at a Renaissance Faire. It is rated MA and has bawdy humor on occasion so is recommended only for adult viewers.
Hard Day’s Knight
by Katie MacAlister
Another fun romance choice available from Hoopla is the audiobook of Katie MacAlister’s Hard Day’s Knight read by Karen White, where Pepper Marsh is looking for her prince at Ontario’s Renaissance Faire. Walker McPahil rescues her from being trampled, but can she break through the armor around his heart? This title is also available in print and large print from BCCLS libraries.
Ren Faire Romance Series
by A.J. Marcus
In Ren Faire Romance, a series from Dreamspinner Press (who specializes in LGBTQ fiction), A.J. Marcus’s characters find the men of their dreams amongst the jousters, falconers, and archers at Renaissance Festivals. Part one begins with the Jouster’s Lance.
Looking for great music to listen to on your way to a Renaissance Faire? Check out my previous blog post.
Written by:
Aimee Harris
Head of Reference
Hoboken Library Staff Picks 
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