In a fantastical kingdom ravaged by famine and poverty, the prospect
of hope lies with a mythical masked hero in this, the first book in the
Tales of the Kingdom series from Newbery Medalist Cynthia Voigt.
In a distant time, a kingdom is starving. With winter upon them, there
is little hope, except for the legend of Jackaroo: a masked outlaw who
comes at night to aid the destitute and helpless. But Gwyn, the
innkeeper's daughter, is too practical for false hopes. She believes
Jackaroo is nothing more than a fairy tale told to keep children hopeful
till the next sunrise.
Then Gwyn is forced to seek refuge in an abandoned house, and while
scavenging for supplies, she comes across...a mask? A sword? A cloak?
Could these belong to the fabled Jackaroo? As Gwyn searches for answers,
she discovers that the heart of a hero goes far beyond a mask.
Previously published as Jackaroo, this classic tale features a new
look and a new title.