The Knighting of Sir Kaye

In this first book in the Sir Kaye: The Boy Knight series, two sensitive outliers—Reggie, the story’s narrator, and Kaye, a talented knitter who strives to become a great knight—meet in the medieval forests of Knox and become tentative friends. While exploring the woods, the boys are embroiled in a series of light, comical escapades, while learning about the give-and-take nature of friendship. After rescuing the nephew of Knox’s new queen from bandits, they are invited to Castle Forte, where Kaye has the opportunity to become a real knight, and Reggie, his assistant. Reggie’s dry sense of humor makes him a companionable narrator; this, along with some brisk action sequences and Allred’s occasional b&w illustrations, should give Winn’s story solid, broad appeal. While dramatic tension builds slowly, with the initial chapters reading like stand-alone episodes, the plot comes together once the boys arrive at the castle. Fortitude, good will, and friendship triumph over pettiness in this enjoyable story. The second book in the series, The Lost Castle Treasure, is also available. Ages 8–up. [em](BookLife) [/em]