Ghost Knight by Cornelia Funke

Ghost Knight by Cornelia Funke is the story of Jon, a young British boy unwillingly sent to boarding school by his mother and soon-to-be stepfather. He's harboring boatloads of resentment, but that's not all that's haunting him in the ancient city of Salisbury. A centuries-old ghost has sworn vengeance on one of Jon's ancestors, and he's pursuing the feud right down the family line. Jon calls on the ghost of an even more ancient knight, one who has sworn to protect the innocent until the sins of his lifetime are expiated. In gratitude for the knight's help, Jon promises to serve as the knight's squire and to do him a favor that may help him rest easier in his grave. The task proves both difficult and dangerous, but Jon has help from his new friend Ella . . . and from another, much more unexpected source!

One of the things I liked best about this book is how much history Funke incorporated into the story. It made me want to learn more about Ela Longespee, an influential woman from 13th century Britain -- I had never even heard of her before! I also thought the characters were interesting, and Jon in particular undergoes a good bit of character development over the course of the story. I quite enjoyed this book, and it certainly made me want to visit Salisbury!

(Reviewed from a copy borrowed through my library system.)