The Inquisitor's Tale

Name: The Inquisitor's Tale
Author: Adam Gidwitz

Safe for the age band

Age-appropriate with no significant concerns.

Published: 2016
Ages: 10–14

About the book

Three children and their holy greyhound are on the run in 13th-century France.

AI summary

Three children and their holy greyhound are on the run in 13th-century France.

Why parents choose this book

What makes The Inquisitor's Tale worth choosing

An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.

Best for

Age range: 10–14 (fits siblings across a range).
Reading maturity: Middle grade — richer plots and vocabulary with age-appropriate themes.
Kids who tend to love it: Historical Fiction.
Personality fit: kids ages 10–14 who enjoy a good story.

Parents love this book because

Age-appropriate content for the 10–14 band with no significant flags.
Written by Adam Gidwitz, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.

Your child will probably enjoy The Inquisitor's Tale if they…

Are curious about history

This book helps develop

Vocabulary, sustained attention, and reading confidence for the 10–14 age band.

Things parents should know

Violence: clear on-page conflict without lingering detail.
Language: clean language throughout.

Reading commitment

Estimated reading time

Varies by reader

Length

Length varies by edition

Difficulty

Middle grade

Works as read-aloud

Usually read independently

Good for independent readers

Yes — suits confident readers in the age band

Similar books your child may love

The Life and Death of Adolf Hitler · James Cross Giblin
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 10–14.
Dead End in Norvelt · Jack Gantos
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 10–14.
The Help · Kathryn Stockett
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 10–14.
1776 · David McCullough
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 10–14.
Heidi · Johanna Spyri
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 10–14.
Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War · Steve Sheinkin
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 10–14.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer · Mark Twain
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 10–14.
One Crazy Summer · Rita Williams-Garcia
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 10–14.

Why we recommend it

We think The Inquisitor's Tale is a confident pick for the 10–14 age band. It leans into historical fiction in a way that feels genuine, not formulaic. Adam Gidwitz's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.