Have you ever wondered what inspired the creation of the first modern novel? Miguel’s Brave Knight: Young Cervantes and His Dream of Don Quixote tells the story of the boy who started it all. Written in easy-to-understand verse by Young People’s Poet Laureate Margarita Engle and accompanied by stunning artwork from award-winning illustrator Raúl Colón, Miguel’s Brave Knight will both delight and instruct readers of all ages as they learn about young Miguel de Cervantes, author of the Don Quixote.

While navigating the difficulties of living in 16th Century Spain with a gambling, vagabond, barber-surgeon father, Miguel escapes his struggles by daydreaming of a heroic knight. At a time when access to books was limited,and many writings were censored and banned, Miguel finds inspiration in storytellers and wandering actors, and longs to share his own imaginative stories with others. Finally at age 19, four of Miguel’s poems are published, launching the career of one of the greatest writers in the Spanish language.