Roland Wright dreams of being a knight, which seems impossible since he's not part of the class of nobility from which all knights come. His dad is a craftsman who makes armor for the king, and as a craftsman's son, he'll never get to be a knight. But when Roland's dad designs a superior suit of armor that saves the king's life in battle, Roland's hopes are revived. He discovers that the reward for this service is that his father will be allowed to send one of his sons to the castle to become a page, the first step to knighthood.
Since older brother Shelby has never been interested in becoming a knight, Roland is certain he will be chosen. His hopes are squelched, however, when Shelby informs him that as the older son, he's decided he'd rather be the page that lives in the castle rather than the armorer who toils in the village.
Roland's father steps in and declares a series of tests that will show who is best suited to become the future knight and who is best suited to become the armorer. In one test, each boy must build a wooden shield and sword for the other to use in the combat between them that will follow. Roland is torn between doing his best and doing what might help him win the contest. He doesn't want Shelby to win by having better equipment, but he's always been taught to do his very best no matter what he does. Bigger and stronger, Shelby can't be counted on to play fair. How will Roland ever win?
Tony Davis has created a character worth rooting for in Roland Wright. Boys will love the action of sword fights plus the humor, partially in the form of Roland's long-suffering pet mouse. The clever contests devised by Roland's father reveal not only the physical strength and agility of the boys, but also their character and compassion. The outcome is close, and you'll have to read the book to find out who the victor is.
Roland Wright Future Knight is a great book from Random House which you can share with your middle-grade readers (ages 7 to 11) as you discover together how a person who chooses to do what's right toward others will never lose in the end. For teachers, use Roland Wright Future Knight to enhance medieval studies for your students. Check out a copy from the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin or look for it in your local bookstore.
Comments
Thank you for this helpful review. I am looking forward to introducing this book to my 9 year old.
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