I wanted a book for my kids to be able to read about the truth of the Spanish Inquisition without being overwhelmed by the viciousness of it. This book tells the story admirably. It focuses on one man and his role, but there’s plenty of context given to round out the situation as a whole. The facts of the matter were told, but not dramatized, and there were pictures throughout to help give an idea of the time period. It’s definitely not the most exciting book, but it’s straightforward and thorough, and mentions when there isn’t enough factual information to reach a definite conclusion about something, or when the author is speculating vs. having historical information to back up a statement.

This book would be appropriate for probably 4th grade and up. ( )

Starlight Reviews – Philip Brooks’ Hannibal… & Enid A. Goldberg and Norman Itzkowitz’s Tomás de Torquemada… | Jorie’s Reads by Starry Night Elf ( )

Less of a biography and more of a history on the Spanish Inquisition, here's another entry in Scholastic's Wicked History series. With its glossary, map, index, timeline, and source notes, this one will certainly be useful to kids studying the Inquisition. Paintings from the time are placed throughout the book, including a spread of several paintings in the middle of the book. This is a great series to hand to kids needing to read a biography, history, or nonfiction book. ( )