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ABOUT THE BOOK
NO SPOILERSEleven-year-old Shan lives with his parents in Weldon Castle in the time of King Arthur, training to become a knight someday. When his wounded Uncle Lionel arrives in the night after being robbed by thieves, Shan's father welcomes him in. Lionel recovers and quickly makes himself at home, filling the castle with rough strangers and taking over more of the household each day. Then, on a fox hunt, Lord Weldon rides out and does not come back. Lionel returns leading his brother's riderless horse and claims Lord Weldon drowned in a quicksand, but something about the story doesn't sit right.
Free Battle of the Books questions for The Sword in the Tree
SPOILERSEvery one of these has the same answer, and that is the point. In a real battle the question is read aloud with a dozen other books in play, and students have a few seconds to place it. Here is what a battle might ask about The Sword in the Tree. Use them as a quiz, a trivia round, or BOTB practice.
Where in the book they come from
- Early in the book
In what book does a deaf old doctor pour red wine down a wounded man's throat?
✓ Answer
The Sword in the Tree by Clyde Robert Bulla
Nappus, who can neither hear nor speak, washes and dresses the wounded knight's injury. He then pours a little red wine down the man's throat to revive him. When the knight opens his eyes, he asks for Lord Weldon and calls him 'Brother.'
- First half
In what book does a boy recognize a gold hilt with red stones on a weapon his uncle is wearing?
✓ Answer
The Sword in the Tree by Clyde Robert Bulla
As Lionel rides away after laughing at Shan, the boy notices his uncle is wearing his father's prized possession. The gold hilt set with red stones is unmistakable. Shan vows to get it back.
- First half
In what book does a boy pack a knife, string, and a tinderbox before escaping into the fog?
✓ Answer
The Sword in the Tree by Clyde Robert Bulla
When Shan and Lady Marian decide to flee the castle, Shan gathers practical supplies from his chest. His mother takes money, jewels, and leftover bread and cheese. These simple items become crucial during their journey through the dark woods.
- Second half
In what book does a boy in goatskins and his big spotted dog both have hair hanging over their eyes?
✓ Answer
The Sword in the Tree by Clyde Robert Bulla
When Magnus first appears to confront Shan about picking up his baby goat, Shan notices that both Magnus and his dog Tick look a little alike. They are both shaggy, with long hair hanging down over their eyes.
- Second half
In what book does a boy use a long grapevine as reins for a donkey?
✓ Answer
The Sword in the Tree by Clyde Robert Bulla
After the little gray donkey starts following the boys, Magnus climbs on her back. She goes along quietly, so he finds a long grapevine and ties one end around the donkey's head and holds the other in his hand so he can guide her. He and Shan take turns riding.
- Near the end
In what book does a boy stand all day in a courtyard, the last one to see a king?
✓ Answer
The Sword in the Tree by Clyde Robert Bulla
Sir Kay lets people into the castle one at a time to see King Arthur. Shan is not called until every other person has been seen. He stands in the courtyard all day long. When no one else is left, Sir Kay finally brings him inside.
