Knights of the Square Table

Knights of the Square Table #1

by Teri Kanefield

Meet the Knights of the Square Table, San Francisco’s all-star chess team.

On their way home from a tournament in Europe, their plane makes a forced landing on a remote island in the North Atlantic.

Part survival story, part crime novel with a twist, here’s what happens when six teenagers act on their optimism and attempt the impossible.

Genres: Adventure, Young Adult, Action

Unknown Binding

First published October 10, 2015

About the author

Teri writes novels, short stories, essays, stories for children, nonfiction for both children and adults, and lots of appellate briefs.

Her stories and essays have appeared in publications as diverse as Education Week, Scope Magazine, The Iowa Review, Cricket Magazine, and The American Literary Review.

Teri's books have received the following honors and distinctions:

The Girl From The Tar Paper School:
--Jane Addams Book Award
--Carter G. Woodson Middle Level Book Award, 2015
--California Reading Association Eureka Silver Honor Book Award
--Included on the 2015 list of Notable Social Studies Trade Books for young readers compiled by the National Council for Social Studies
--Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children (National Association of Teachers of English), Recommended Book
--Included in the New York Public Library's list of 100 children's books to read in 2014.
--A Junior Library Guild selection

Praise for The Girl From The Tar Paper School:
"Beautifully and clearly written." School Library Journal, starred review
"Worthy of the highest recommendation." Midwest Book Review

Rivka's Way
--Sidney Taylor Book Awards, Notable book of 2001
-- Lilith Magazine's 5th Annual Selection of Books for Young Readers
--Included in Great Books for Girls, by Kathleen Odean
--Included in Best Jewish Books for Children and Teens, by Linda R. Silver

Praise for Rivka's Way :
"A rewarding read for the romantically inclined." School Library Journal
"A simple but daring adventure." Voice of Youth Advocates

Guilty? Crime, Punishment, and the Changing Face of Justice
--Junior Library Guild selection

Teri's law practice is limited to representing indigents on appeal from adverse rulings.

She lives in California near the beach..

Reviews

[Sarah Violet · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh man...
I'm not even sure how to go about reviewing this book. It was painfully bad.
I'm finding it hard to sort out all my thoughts, this whole thing was so silly.

Every adult in this book was an idiot, while the six kids who were the main characters were super smart.
While all the adults are freaking out over a plane crash that has everyone stranded on a remote island, the six kids organize everything. Shelter, a means of staying warm, food and they also keep the peace.
There's no other way to explain it than that the six kids lead the adults around like sheep cause the adult in this book are just SO helpless.

After everyone is rescued from the island (which really wasn't so bad cause there was literally a hot spring), is the work of these six kids finished? I say thee nay!! Now they take it upon themselves to stop a nuclear bomb launch that could potentially start World War III.
They hack a government system, lower the missile and then block it from being fired. That took them a whole day of work and they did this literally the day after they were rescued from the island! Only one of the parents (out of all the six kids parents that makes 12 parents) called to see where their kid was! After being missing for 10 days you'd think their parents would want to know where their kids are or even spend the day with them, I mean, it was still A DAY after they were found!! Gahhh!!
Adults in this book were morons!

Do NOT read this book, just stay away.

[A. Powers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Six members of a chess team are stranded on an island with their fellow passengers when their plane has to make an emergency landing off the coast of Iceland. They put their heads together and come up with solutions to their problems until they can be rescued. Meanwhile, there is a nuclear missile crisis going on in Asia, and the team has to come up with a plan to bring about world peace.

My feelings for this book went back and forth. On one hand, it was cute and easy to read, super fast-paced and had a nice overall message about optimism, teamwork, and harmony. As much as I love the idea of world peace, this book felt way too short and simple to tackle such a heavy topic, and the whole nuclear missile bit just seemed a bit absurd in the grand scheme of the book. Also, the characters themselves felt a bit too immature in their personalities to match what they managed to pull off in the plot. The adults of the story were even more immature, whiny, and annoying. While this book offers a lot of food for thought, I think the story tried to bite off more than it could chew.

[Elsbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story about half a dozen smart and idealistic teenagers, making the world a better place. Starting with a small group of people on Mars...
The knights of the round table are nothing, compared to the knights of the square table!

Thank you, Teri Kanefiels, for giving me a chance to read this. I'm looking forward to reading part 2!

[Red · Rating 3 out of 5]

The KotST is a novel in two parts. The first is the exciting adventure when the plane the 6 ninth graders are traveling home from Europe on, crashes on an island off of Iceland. How the kids help the entire plateful of people survive is fun and only a little over the top. In a Disney-esque fashion, the unchaperoned kids know more than the adults; they all have different talents, are very intelligent, and of course, one has a photographic memory, and one who has a ‘facility with languages’ (speaks 5 languages fluently, and a smattering of others).

The second, shorter portion of the book takes place after they all get back home to San Francisco, and that’s where the book completely jumps the shark. With rudimentary computer programming skills, the kids hack into a foreign government’s state website where they access nuclear weapons controls, by guessing Chinese language urls. And from there they avert a nuclear war, and force a peace negotiation. And *this* portion of the book, is a setup for future adventures of the kid’s solving the world’s problems.

Apparently I read this book 4 years ago but I have zero memory of it. I didn’t write a review then, or even give it stars, and I wonder if I abandoned it partway through. I admit to being an adult, and not the intended audience, but still...this one is just way too...over the top for me. Kids too smart, adults too clueless, solutions to very complex problems way too simplistic.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of Knights of the Square Table was really good. While it wasn’t realistic at all that young teens would take over to help a plane full of crash victims survive in the middle of nowhere, I was willing to suspend disbelief due to the grade level the book is aimed at and just enjoy the story. But then the second half just went weird. It was so unbelievable as to make my disbelief unable to be suspended. At that point the story became mostly not enjoyable. The end, when the pilot from the stranded flight comes and has lunch with the kids, was incredibly ridiculous. Because of the second half I don’t recommend this book.

[Karlicorn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I preferred the first half over the second, but both were hard to swallow. These 6 ninth graders are smarter, more motivated, and more calm then any of the adults. They save the plane and then the world in a short time span, better than any adult could. Might be fun for kids to read, but not an adult. I wish it had been more plane and more realistic teens. I wouldn't recommend it to my 12 year old.

[MystiqueLaLynx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, the first 2/3 was engaging, the 6 MC were well developed and I could always tell who was talking. The last 3rd of the book was inspiring but unrealistic. I originally read this book when I purchased this item on June 19, 2016. but only remembered that I did like it, it was worth rereading.

[Angi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hard to read. Too unrealistic. I couldn't even finish the book.

[Kori · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you go into this realizing this book is for middle grade readers, then I think you will appreciate it much more. I have to admit that I was irritated by it to begin with - the whole idea that "we six kids are going to save the lives of a planeful of whining adults and later SAVE-THE-WORLD by averting a nuclear missile crisis" seems too cute by half. That's as an adult reader. However, as a middle grade reader, I can see the appeal of the 'kids-save-the-world" fantasy. As a parent, I think I appreciate the book most for what it isn't: not dystopian, not angry, not foulmouthed, not sexual, not snarky.

[Barbara Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six precocious teenagers from different backgrounds share one thing in common; they are all members of the San Francisco All Star Chess Club. The ninth graders are on the way home from Germany after a sixth place finish in an international competition when their plane goes down due to an avionics failure. They land on a remote island in the North Atlantic in the subarctic. More than sixty passengers face freezing conditions and lack of food supplies to survive. These six teens take charge and prevent disorder, using their multiple talents to create a source of heat, trap food in the ice, and calm the fears of panicked passengers. They even figure out a way to handle Veronica, a kleptomaniac who keeps stealing food from the other passengers. Thanks to their efforts, the survivors are eventually rescued.

But the story does not end there. These six friends gather together to figure out a solution to a nuclear missile crisis. When an Asian dictatorship threatens to fire a nuclear missile, the teens figure out a way to break into that country's computer system and bribe them into entering peace negotiations to save face. I am sure the world is in for lots more from these indomitable teens in the next two books of the trilogy. This series is targeted for ages nine and older. While the inevitability of the solutions seems too simplistic in some instances, the characters are well-developed, each having strengths and flaws. Middle grade and young adult readers will find much in common with them. Plot is fast paced and I felt compelled to keep reading. Recommended for readers who enjoy adventure stories with clever protagonists and plots containing thought provoking issues.

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Knights of the Square Table launched straight into the action without much build up or immediate backstory, which initially was a positive but there didn't seem to be very much backstory which soon became a negative. I assumed the story was set in the present, but there was indicators that something monumental had shifted in the world. I didn't feel there was enough backstory.

When the plane crashed in Iceland there were definitely tones of Lord of the Flies, although there were adults involved in Knights of the Square Table, it was the students who took centre stage and took control of the situation. I am unsure how realistic this would be, even if you did have a group of highly intelligent teenagers, would they really have taken control of such a dramatic situation?

This felt like quite a basic writing style and you could tell it was aimed at younger readers. Personally it felt as though the book was comprised of random events that had been put together into a timeline with the same characters running through.

A bit of backstory to the war with Asia and what was going on in the world would have been useful. Overall I was disappointed and don't think I will read the next book in the series.

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teri Kanefield is one of my new favorite authors. I have loved everything I have read that she has written. The story starts out very dramatic. The Knights of the Square Table, a chess group is on a plane when it begins to experience problems. The plane crashes on a snowy island about 200 miles off course. The brief description of what people were experiencing on the plane was so realistic that I felt I was on the plane as well. The adults on this plane aren’t much help. It is up to these chess champs to keep them all alive until they are rescued. This is not the only problem they must solve. There is a problem of global proportion they must work on as well. Like all of her books there is usually something to be learned. I love the idea that my students will be able to see through this fiction that they can make changes in the world. After all, in our IB school we teach them to to be global students. I believe our students would be able to identify with these young people.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knights of the Square Table by Teri Kanefield


"The Knights of the Square Table", San Francisco’s all-star chess team, is on their way home from Germany for a tournament. Their plane has to make and emergency landing on an Island in the icy cold North Atlantic.

The six teens work together to help keep all the people on the plane alive, until they get rescued. They are smart, savvy and will do what ever it takes to keep peace, (the people) calm and survive.

The teens are all very different, and likable. They are super smart and know survival depends on working together. The story is original with two plots (I don't do spoilers, so I can't say much more).

Overall I found the story fresh, action filled, suspenseful and fun. I recommend Knights of the Square Table to Young/Adults and Adults as well.

[Pontiki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantastical, fun story, really more like 2 books in 1. I loved the first half of the book, when 6 kids in a chess club were on a plane forced to land on an island near Iceland, then stranded with a bunch of adults for 10 days before being rescued. Their creativity, determination, and positive attitude turned around the pessimism of the adults, and they formed a cooperative, caring little society.

Upon their return, an Asian missile crisis was playing out, and they happen to manage hacking into the Asian government computer and lowering the missile. They then proceed to get the dictator in charge to negotiate with other governments, and get aid to that country's people.

Too unrealistic, too tidy, kind of silly. But, I suspended my belief long enough to finish the book, and enjoyed the fantasy of the kids' power to change the world. The first part with the plane wreck was more believable and interesting, a good enough read.

There is a sequel, but that's too far for me to go.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another super book by Teri Kanefield! I enjoyed this book and think you will too. I remember when I was a teenager and believed in utopia. The book is well thought out and the characters are well defined.

First the title - very catchy! When I saw the title I immediately thought knights in chain maul and big lances. But early in the book the title is clear. The Knights of the Square Table is a group of teenage chess players from California.

This is the first book of a series. This book has 2 parts. First there is the plane crash and how the young people use their sharp minds, strong backs and their electronic devices to survive until help arrives 10 days later. The second part is when the kids use their fame to help bring change to a crisis in the world.

I received this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Estelle Haward · Rating 4 out of 5]

A plane crash on an unknown, cold and snowy island. A resourceful team of young chess players on their way back home after a tournament in Germany. Mix in a variety of personalities as the passengers and this makes for an entertaining and engaging read for youngsters. The pace is quick and lively and the ability of the young chess players to source food, heat and get the stranded passengers to work together and not complain is at times both hilarious and sad. Dealing with different personalities and finding your strong and weak points makes for entertaining reading. The story leaves one feeling uplifted by the energy and spirit of these young chess players who manage to succeed in a world very far removed from their normal chess playing comfort zone and homes.
I received free copy in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

[Carrie-Anne O'Driscoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightfully inventive book with something in it for all ages!
A group of teenage chess players find themselves marooned on quasi frozen island and in charge of a bunch of whiny, selfish, and generally useless adults. Still, they manage to keep every one alive, fed, and relatively unscathed with their unorthadox approach to the stranded life. These kids put all of their chess knowledge to work in real life and it works!
Continuing on, the face a disaster of global proportions and manage to whip that one too!
Highly recommended read for anyone who appreciates a unique and well thought out story line. It truly is unlike any other YA book I've read. Bravo, Kanefield!

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet the Knights of the Square Table, San Francisco’s all-star chess team. On their way home from a tournament in Europe, their plane makes a forced landing on a remote island in the North Atlantic and that’s only the beginning of this team of prodigies adventures. With logical and enterprising thinking, the team meets the survivor’s basic needs, while solving the mystery of stolen food and forcing peace on those ready to lose their heads. With such success behind you, why not go ahead and save the world from nuclear destruction?! Kanefield’s characters are nicely developed, if a little implausible and the story flowed exceptionally well. Recommended for pre-/early-teen readers.

[Jeanne McAtee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Knights of the Square Table is an extremely engaging and well-written story about a group of ninth grade chess champions using intelligence, resourcefulness, and compassion to problem solve crisis situations in their own lives and in the world at large. It’s a very uplifting and entertaining story about how open mindedness, team work, and intelligent strategy could solve many global problems. I really loved Teri Kanefield’s idea that teenagers could be the perfect people to heal our planet. I look forward to reading The Knights of the Square Table 2: Dear World!
I received a copy of this book from Story Cartel in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Larina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review:
A group of kids are at a chess terny. On their way back home the plane went down. Because of the brightness of these kids they were able to save everyone. They helped gather food using what they learned by reading. They were able to keep everyone warm and civil. This book has a lot of great morals in it. The author made the characters come alive for me. I imagined what it was like being with this group. I still wont eat mussels but it was neat how they improvised on so many things. Tweezers! I would never have seen that coming! It is a good read!

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE:https://frumiousreadsbooks.wordpress....

I was so surprised at the conflicts and mysteries that kept occurring, and really did begin to become attached to many of the characters and their personalities. This is definitely a book that makes you want to root for the protagonists, and in this case those protagonists are six very smart and very well rounded teenagers.

SUBSCRIBE TO MY BOOKTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHqd...

[Kourosh Keshavarz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was nice and cute but very hard to swallow. A plane crashes and the pilot shrugs and asks a bunch of teenagers to help out. Literally every adult sat down and did nothing and waited for the teenagers to tell them what to do. What was also the problem was there was hardly any tension or major conflict. Aside from the plane crash where literally no one was hurt, I mean not even a panic or heart attack, not a thing happened that was bad. I get that the audience was probably teenagers but even their heart would remain at resting pulse reading this book.

[J.S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A *young* middle grade story (or perhaps a children's book) about a group of 9th graders from San Francisco on a flight that crash lands on a small island in the North Atlantic while returning from a chess tournament in Germany. They not only save the passengers and crew (by being the only ones who don't lose their cool) but then avert nuclear war (yes, really). Mildly entertaining.

[Angela Lambkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a very clean reads youth adventure and mystery book ready to keep the reader engrossed from the beginning to the very end.
This is why I wish to recommend this ebook for five stars and for kids from 9-18 years of age and plus. I received this ebook for free and in return for being able to read and do this review is my honest review. Super job Teri! By Angela

[Patrick Barringer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably a decent enough read for a 5-7 grader with a low to middling vocabulary. I found the plot to be simplistic and unbelievable. The dialogue and prose didn't hold my interest. If it wasn't so short I probably wouldn't have finished it. The main redeeming factor is pushing kids to think big even from a young age.

[Stacey Sargent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although there isn't really a suspenseful conflict, I still really enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching how they solved their problems - from surviving after a plane crash to hacking into another country's computer system to stop a nuclear attack. The story was engaging, and it moved along well. I'd like to read the rest of the series to see what these clever kids get up to next!

[Katie Acosta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but I really thought it could have been 2 complete stories. I have now read all 3 books, so I see why it happened the way it did but as a stand alone book it's a little baffling. My other issue was things were too easy. The kids were just TOO good at everything. It didn't bother me enough to stop reading though, I finished the whole series and enjoyed the characters.

[Tracey Digilormo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I have read several by Terri Kanefield. I look forward to every book.

The writing makes you feel like you are there. I can get lost for hours reading her books. If you haven't picked up your copy yet what are you waiting for

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Easy to read, well-written, and very sweet. The message behind it is wonderful. I love all of Kanefield's books.

[Jeff Bartos · Rating 3 out of 5]

So-so. Not enough character development.