Shield of Three Lions Paperback - 2002

From the jacket flap

The return of a classic, by bestselling author Pamela Kaufman.
"Richly rewarding, superbly written. . . . The richness of the characters, the historical details, and the story as a whole make this novel a memorable reading experience."--Chicago Sun-Times Eleven-year-old Alix is the daughter of the baron of Wanthwaite, whose lands along the Scottish border are among the best in England. But when her family is killed and her lands seized, Alix is forced to flee from the only home she's ever known. Her one hope of restoring her inheritance is to plead her case to King Richard the Lion Heart, who is far away in France, preparing to go on his Crusade. Alix resolves to follow him. She cuts her hair, dresses as a boy, and takes the road south to London.
Disguised as a beautiful young boy, Alix is more than befriended by the handsome and mysterious King Richard, even becoming his favorite page. Their relationship sets tongues wagging and places Alix in considerable danger as the battle for Jerusalem unfolds.

Media reviews

“A lively romance . . . a rich picture of a romantic time . . . [Kaufman’s] detailed descriptions of a bawdy land and its people are matched well by her touching and humorous portrait of an adolescent coming to terms with her own womanhood.”—USA Today

“A romantic, sensual, ribald, rowdy—and often hilarious—tale.” —Los Angeles Herald