A Tudor Turk
#1 in Chronicles of Will Ryde & Awa Maryam Series
on Goodreads (56)
What’s inside...
Istanbul, 1591 - and Sultan Murad III, the mightiest ruler in the world, has been robbed. The Staff of Moses has been stolen from his private collection of religious artefacts in the Topkapi Palace - right from under his imperial nose! The wooden Staff, held by Moses as he parted the Red Sea, is a magical symbol of power worth a kings ransom - and the furious Sultan wants it back.
A small undercover unit of hand-picked, trusted warriors is hastily assembled to track down the thieves. They are the Rüzgar the Wind and like the wind, they travel silently and unseen. Awa, the studious daughter of a noble family from the Songhai Empire in West Africa, was kidnapped and enslaved by Moroccans after the disastrous Battle of Tondibi. Awa is a whirling and deadly force when she has a scimitar in her hand. Will, who was snatched from his home in London at the age of 5, is now 16 and a galley slave on board a Moroccan warship. Joining the Rüzgar turns him into a man. He and Awa become fast friends. The other comrades are Turkish, Greek and Albanian, all led by the charismatic Bosnian Mehmed Konjic, a wise counsellor and natural hero.
Why read this book
- Adventure-filled historical fiction captivates young readers.
- Engages with themes of courage and friendship.
- Enhances historical knowledge and cultural awareness.
- Encourages empathy and moral development.
Character compass
Will Ryde
Awais
Grand Vizier
Discussion points
How do the characters in 'A Tudor Turk' show courage and resilience in the face of challenges?
What can we learn about different cultures and histories from the adventures in the book?
How do the choices made by the characters affect their journeys and relationships with others?
What are some ways that the characters in the book demonstrate teamwork and cooperation?
How does the setting of the Tudor period influence the events and characters in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their experiences with those of the characters, fostering empathy and understanding.
Discuss the historical setting of the book and explore additional resources or books about the Tudor period to deepen their context.
Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios in the book and how they would react in similar situations to develop critical thinking.
Highlight moments of character development and moral decisions to instill values of integrity and perseverance.
Create a family reading time where each member reads a portion of the book, making it a collaborative family learning experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Will, shows remarkable resilience after being captured and enslaved. His journey is filled with challenges which he overcomes with perseverance and courage.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face difficulties in their own lives without giving up, understanding that obstacles are a part of growth and can be overcome with persistence.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and trust
Explanation: Throughout the story, Will forms profound bonds with other characters, demonstrating that trust and friendship are vital in overcoming life’s hardships.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to value and nurture friendships and to trust their friends in times of need, fostering strong, supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: The value of cultural understanding and diversity
Explanation: Will encounters various cultures throughout his journey, learning and growing from each new experience, emphasizing the enrichment that comes from diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to be curious about different cultures and to appreciate diversity, promoting inclusivity and tolerance in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for what is right
Explanation: Several times in the book, Will faces moral dilemmas and chooses to do what is right, despite the potential personal cost, highlighting moral integrity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to uphold their values and ethics, even when faced with tough choices, enhancing their moral development.
Example Lesson: The power of knowledge
Explanation: Will's journey illustrates that knowledge can be a powerful tool for overcoming adversity and achieving one’s goals.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value their education and continuously seek knowledge, understanding its impact on their future success and problem-solving abilities.