A Knight Without a Castle: A Story of Resilience and Hope

by Robert Katende, Larry Williams (Reading), Tim Crothers (Foreword)

Foreword by Tim Crothers, author of The Queen of Katwe

Author Robert Katende's story is an astonishing true story of resilience and hope. Robert's work was made famous in the Disney movie The Queen of Katwe, a biographical drama about a thirteen-year-old girl who became a Uganda national chess champion under Robert's mentorship. Now readers can enjoy the story of how it all started.

This is the immersive story of a war refugee turned missionary, who is living the improbable dream to empower kids in Ugandan slums through chess--a game so foreign that there is no word for it in their native language. You will read of children who first came to Robert Katende's school for a free meal of porridge, then grew to love the game of chess and ultimately go to college in the United States to study medicine.

Katende's life illuminates a situation many will find difficult to imagine, being raised without parents in a Ugandan slum. His story tells of overcoming the odds in his life, followed by the stories of his students who share how he has radically impacted their lives. Katende's story is one of hope where there is none. His work has started a movement which has caught the attention of world leaders Bill and Melinda Gates and the Obama Foundation.

Audio CD

First published November 12, 2019

Reviews

[Barbara Eisemann · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 because I really admire the author and what he's doing, but didn't love the writing style of the book.

[Shauna Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved learning about how this ministry began and now has grown into Sports Outreach which is such a blessing to do many!

[Kim E · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is inspiring and shows how commitment, dedication, and passion can change lives. Robert Katende rises from a life of uncertainty, to a life of someone able to help the less fortunate to discover purpose and potential in spite of their surroundings and background. The story behind the coach of the Queen of Katwe. A real chess queen.

[Iz · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book. I really enjoyed it

[Garrett Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story of overcoming impossible odds to achieve true greatness, which is dedicating your life to the service of others. Robert became famous through the Queen of Katwe story and has helped countless children and their families to rise out of the Ugandan slums to achieve their own dreams and live lives of meaning and purpose. I had the honor of hearing from him and meeting him briefly in Tacoma recently and was able to purchase his book and get it autographed. He is an exceptional man and should be an example to us all to give more of ourselves to those in need, knowing that they have great potential in life.

[Debby Hallgren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book and an opportunity to learn more of the man behind “The Queen of Katwe”. I’ve worked with Robert for more than 13 years, his ability to be a role model and inspire others reaches far beyond the slums of the world (his programs have had great success in Kenya and El Salvador as well as Uganda). To God be the glory for raising up such an effective leader!

[Lopnan Apollos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watched the story, desire to read the story