Future Knight

Children's Literature - Elizabeth Young

A ten year olds heart's desire is to become a knight. Being the son of a blacksmith in 1409 is not the route a noble lad would take to become one. Unless you are Roland Wright and your father is Oliver Wright, maker of famous armor. It is this armor that changes everything for Roland. During the Middle Ages sporting events included jousting for the Queen, sword fights with your brothers, and shooting bows and arrow, to name three. Oliver tries to remove a squashed armor helmet from a knight who could not get it off his head. After several painful groans and ooohhh's, the knight is free of his cranial entrapment. Roland knows immediately this is no ordinary knight. This is Sir Gallawood, the best knight of all. Conversation ensues, with Roland expressing his desire to become a knight and Sir Gallawood praising his fathers' skillful work—which he attributes to saving his life, though he had to yield to his opponent that day. Before Sir Gallawood departs, one of the King's heralds arrives and announces that an important message from the King would be delivered to Mr. Oliver Wright. Emotions and curiosity run high. No one in Roland's village has ever come close to the King before. What could the message be? Surely this would be the greatest day ever! And so it was, as the king's message is instrumental in changing Roland's life and dreams of becoming a knight. Because his father's armor is so well made, the king expresses his gratitude and agrees to take one son into the royal household to be trained as a page. How could Oliver choose? Wisely, Oliver tells his sons he will choose the one based on a series of trials to see who is right for becoming a page—and which son will workas an apprentice at home. Join in the contest and find out which son is chosen in this first adventure of Roland Wright. The story reads quickly and easily but ends all too soon. Life in the Middle Ages was not all fun and games but David brings that era to life, making readers wish for more. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young

School Library Journal

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

Kirkus Reviews

It's 1409, and nine-and-a-half-year-old Roland Wright, son of the best armorer in the kingdom, dreams of becoming a brave knight. Alas, knighthood is only for sons of the nobility. The prospect seems more achievable when a royal emissary arrives one day at his father's armory. The officer-of-arms announces that the grateful king, whose life was saved in battle because he wore Mr. Wright's excellent suit of armor, will repay the craftsman by taking one of his sons into his court to be trained as a page, the stepping stone to eventual knighthood. The wise father sets Roland and his older brother several challenging tasks to discover who's worthy of the honor. With inspiration and guidance from a friendly local knight and Roland's pet mouse, the (W)right brother ultimately wins out through feats of strength-of character-as much as demonstrations of hard work and courage. The slightly preachy message about following one's best instincts comes through in this pleasant, undemanding Australian import, first in a series, illustrated with wry humor by Rogers and filled with some interesting details about knights and the Middle Ages. (Historical fiction. 8-11)