71. England v Denmark

The Last Kingdom is the first novel in The Saxon Stories series by Bernard Cornwell. It tells the story of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon noble who is captured by Danish Vikings at the age of nine and raised as one of their own. Uhtred's journey takes him through his formative years with the Danes, where he learns their culture, language, and warrior ways. However, after a series of events, he finds himself serving King Alfred of Wessex and participating in key battles against the Danish invaders. The novel explores themes of cultural identity, loyalty, and the struggle for unity in a divided England during the late 9th and early 10th centuries.

Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that chronicles the daring deeds of its titular hero, Beowulf. The story begins with Beowulf's journey to help King Hrothgar of the Danes, whose mead hall, Heorot, is terrorized by the monster Grendel. Beowulf kills Grendel and later Grendel's mother, then returns to his homeland to become king of the Geats. After ruling for 50 years, he faces his final battle against a fire-breathing dragon, which ultimately leads to his death. The poem explores themes of heroism, fate, and the struggle between civilization and wilderness.

In this adaptation of 'The Little Mermaid', Fred Crump Jr. retells the story with vivid illustrations. The tale follows Sea Princess Ondina, who longs for life on land and embarks on a journey to find her prince. This version is updated specifically for children of color, making the classic fairytale more inclusive and diverse.

The novel follows the story of Amy Dorrit, known as Little Dorrit, who is born and raised in the Marshalsea debtors' prison in London. Her father, William Dorrit, is imprisoned for debt and becomes known as the 'Father of the Marshalsea'. The story explores themes of poverty, societal injustice, and the constraints of the prison system. It also delves into the lives of other characters, including Arthur Clennam, who becomes involved in the Dorrit family's affairs. The novel satirizes the British class system and the inefficiencies of the government, particularly through the fictional 'Circumlocution Office'. As the Dorrits' fortune changes dramatically, the novel examines the impact of wealth and social status on individuals and society.