Future Knight

November 9, 2009
This uneven novel from Australia launches the Roland Wright series starring a nearly-10-year-old boy living in the Middle Ages. Roland dreams of becoming a knight, but his father is a blacksmith and only "the children of the rich and noble become knights." Then the king, protected by armor Roland's father made, survives a battle and announces he will take one of the blacksmith's two sons into his household to be trained for knighthood. When the smith sets his offspring to a string of tests to determine which of them will win this prized position, Roland seeks the advice of his favorite knight, who tells him that honor, loyalty, and chivalry are every bit as important as knowing how "to bash and crash and stab and slice and dice and pound." Despite a foregone conclusion and some gross-out humor (Roland resists the temptation to hit an annoying friend "over the head so hard that her brain shot out her earholes like lengths of gray rope"), kids will appreciate the ample silliness and pick up a few details about the era in the process. Ages 6â10.

August 1, 2009
Gr 2-4-Roland has always wanted to be a knight, but he's unlikely to achieve his dream since he doesn't come from a noble family. Then a messenger of the court arrives at his father's forge to proclaim that the blacksmith's fine armor has saved the life of the king during battle. To show his gratitude, the king has extended an invitation to one of Mr. Wright's two sons to become a page at the castle and a knight in training. Roland is beside himself with happiness until his brother also declares an interest, forcing their father to choose between them. To help make his decision, Mr. Wright creates a contest complete with jousting, archery, and other physical tests. How the scrawny, younger Roland goes on to beat his much bigger and more athletic sibling becomes a tale of more than just physical abilities. This engaging book, the first in a series, has accurate details about the Middle Ages and a feisty, persevering hero who demonstrates the qualities of a true knight, such as being a good loser and respecting others. Rogers's charming pen-and-ink illustrations enhance the story and may also make it more appealing to reluctant readers. A tiny picture of Roland's long suffering and adorable pet mouse, Nudge, appears at the end of each chapter in a pose that reflects the action that has just taken place. Boys, especially, will enjoy this story of chivalry, knighthood, and adventure."Tina Martin, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, IL"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2009
Grades 2-4 The year is 1409 and, more than anything in the world, nine-year-old Roland Wright wants to grow up to become a knight. But how can he? His father is only an armorer. True, he is the best armorer in all the land but, still, he is not a nobleman and only those of noble birth can aspire to knighthood. Or can they? One day a retinue of visitors from the Royal Court unexpectedly arrive at Rolands fathers armory, and things suddenly get interesting! Readers will learn a lot about armor and what it takes to become a knight in this first volume of a planned Roland Wright series from Australia. The story is as quietly charming as the black-and-white illustrations by Greenaway Medalwinning artist Rogers. As a bonus, readers will find the first chapter of volume two (Brand-New Page) waiting for them at the books end.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2010
Young Roland dreams of becoming a knight. He may have that opportunity after his father's armor saves the king's life, but first Roland must prove himself against his older brother. The story's standard be-true-to-yourself message is well camouflaged among medieval barbs and other humorous asides. Cartoony black-and-white spot art adds to the fun.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)