Kathryn Erskine's "The Badger Knight"

Kathryn Erskine is the acclaimed author of many distinguished novels for young readers, including Mockingbird, winner of the National Book Award; The Absolute Value of Mike, an Amazon Best Book and ALA Notable Book; and Quaking, an ALA Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers.

Here Erskine dreamcasts an adaatation of her new novel, The Badger Knight:

Here's the cast of (main) characters -- this is always such fun to do!

Adrian (the Badger): Dusty Burwell
Adrian is young (just turning 13). He's very small for his age and has albinism so the actor, if one with albinism couldn't be found, would need to be pale and quite young like Dusty. Part of why I made him have albinism is that so often in literature and film the character with albinism is the bad guy or the weird guy. In this story, Adrian is the hero.

Hugh (Adrian's best friend): Dakota Goyo

Bess (Adrian's cousin, Hugh's love interest): Kiernan Shipka

Donald (Scottish soldier whom Adrian and Hugh protect, against all social norms): Robbie Coltrane (naturally!)

Nigel (young monk who befriends Adrian): Jack Kaeding

Learn more about the book and author at Kathryn Erskine's website.

Coffee with a Canine: Kathryn Erskine & Fletcher.

The Page 69 Test: The Badger Knight.

Writers Read: Kathryn Erskine.

--Marshal Zeringue