The Artios Home Companion Series
Literature and Composition
Adam of the Road
Literature for Units 17 - 20
by Elizabeth Janet Gray
I nt r o d uc t i o n
In Adam of the Road, Adam
loses both his beloved pet spaniel
and his Medieval minstrel father.
He then sets out on an adventure
that takes him throughout the
English countryside in search of
the two most important things in
his life.
Be S ur e t o N o t i c e …
In 1943, Elizabeth Janet Gray
was awarded the Newbery Medal
of
excellence
in
American
Children’s Literature. Take the
time to explore the various awards
that are awarded for children’s
literature, both for writing and
illustration.
Note: Students may desire to
have a “blank book” to use for their
adventure story. These may be
purchased online.
C o nt e x t R e s o ur c e s
U ni t Fo c u s
In this unit, we will be exploring the culture and
society of the Middle Ages through the historical
novel Adam of the Road. In addition, we will be
writing a creative adventure story as we read.
Medieval England was an
exciting place to live! On the
website, you will find additional
context Resources with activities
and ideas to help you fully explore
the region through which Adam
journeyed, as well as activities
related to the book.
Medieval to Renaissance: Elementary
Units 17 – 21: Literature and Composition
Page 299
U ni t 1 7 – A s s i g n m e nt s
Literature
 Begin by completing an author profile for Elizabeth Janet Gray. You will find an Author
Profile Page within the Resources section of the website. You can find information
about the author on the Internet.
 Read Chapters 1-6 in Adam of the Road.
Composition
 Adam of the Road, as well as Otto of the Silver Hand, is set during the Medieval period.
During this unit, you will be writing your own adventure story, set in this time period. Begin
by creating a story map to help you plan your story. The Resources section of the website
includes both a blank story map for you to print and use as well as a completed example
story map. The story map that we will use is based upon Freytag’s pyramid, which includes
the following elements:
▪ Exposition or Introduction: The exposition introduces the characters and the
setting, and sets the background for the story.
▪ Rising action: The rising action is the events in the story that begin to complicate the
plot. The tension begins to build, the plot begins to thicken, and the reader gets more
and more involved in the story. Usually, there will be plenty of twists, turns, and
unexpected surprises in this section of the story.
▪ Climax: The climax is the most dramatic point in the story, or the point where the
suspense is at its highest. Many people think of it as the most exciting part of the story.
▪ Falling action: The falling action is the part of the story in which all of the loose ends
are tied up. A change is often seen in the characters during this part, as well, and the
falling action always happens much quicker than the rising action.
▪ Resolution or denouement: The resolution is the part of the story when you
discover what happens to the characters after the conflict has been resolved.
 Try mapping some of your favorite fairy tales to make sure that you can identify each of
these elements. You can also try mapping one of the books that we have already read. Then,
talk with a parent about ideas for your own adventure story, and fill out your story map.
 You will find alternate story maps for younger writers in the Resources section. Adapt
writing for these students to match their abilities.
U ni t 1 8 – A s s i g n m e nt s
Literature
 Read Chapters 7-12 in Adam of the Road.
Composition
 Use your story map to begin writing the rough draft of your adventure story. Spread your
writing out over several days, and focus on just one story element (exposition, rising action,
climax, falling action, resolution) at a time. You will want your audience to be able to clearly
visualize the characters and setting, so include plenty of descriptions. Don’t try to get every
last detail into your writing right now, and don’t worry about spelling or neatness — just
get your thoughts on paper. This writing will cover two units, so take your time and make
your story great!
Medieval to Renaissance: Elementary
Units 17 – 21: Literature and Composition
Page 300
U ni t 1 9 – A s s i g n m e nt s
Literature
 Read Chapters 13-18 in Adam of the Road.
Composition
 Finish writing the rough draft of your adventure story.
U ni t 2 0 – A s s i g n m e nt s
Literature
 Finish reading Adam of the Road.
Composition and Grammar
 Edit the rough draft of your adventure story.
▪ Use your grammar cheat sheet, and evaluate your writing to make sure that each of
your buzzwords has been addressed in your writing.
▪ Write or type your final draft, and include several illustrations.
▪ You might consider purchasing a blank book and turning your story into a book.
Medieval to Renaissance: Elementary
Units 17 – 21: Literature and Composition
Page 301