Knightley Academy

February 1, 2010
Robyn Schneider (The Social Climber's Guide to High School
), writing as the pseudonymous Haberdasher, delivers a cute novel that balances its simple plot with a solid lead character, witty dialogue, and a jaunty narrative voice. Henry Grim, a servant at the Midsummer School for Boys, is allowed to take the test to enter the prestigious Knightley Academy and becomes the first commoner to enter the austere school. Like the other groundbreaking commoners in his class—Adam, who's Jewish, and Rohan, who's Indian—he finds life among the elite daunting at first. However, his talent for languages and history, as well as the friendship of the headmaster's daughter, help him get by. There are the usual shenanigans involving mean classmates and teachers who appear to have hidden agendas, and the threat of war with the oppressive Nordlands looms as well. The nebulous historical setting and focus on military training and chivalry are a welcome change of pace from fictional academies that revolve around magic. If the story runs on a predictable path, Henry and his friends are lively and entertaining characters to follow. Ages 8–12.