One-line summary:

In “First Test,” the first book in the Protector of the Small series by Tamora Pierce, a determined young girl named Keladry of Mindelan defies tradition and faces numerous challenges as she strives to become the first female knight in over a century.

The Journey Begins

Keladry of Mindelan, known as Kel, has always dreamed of becoming a knight. However, in the kingdom of Tortall, girls are not allowed to train for knighthood. Determined to break this tradition, Kel convinces her family to send her to the royal palace to become a page, the first step towards becoming a knight.

Challenges and Prejudices

As the first girl to openly train for knighthood in over a century, Kel faces immense challenges and prejudices from her fellow pages, as well as some of her instructors. Many believe that girls are not physically or mentally capable of becoming knights, and they do everything they can to make Kel’s journey difficult.

Kel’s first major challenge comes in the form of hazing from her male peers. They subject her to various forms of bullying, including pranks and physical attacks. Despite the adversity, Kel remains determined and refuses to give up on her dream.

Proving Herself

To prove her worth, Kel must not only excel in combat and horsemanship but also navigate the complex social dynamics of the palace. She befriends a group of misfit pages who support her and help her train, but she also faces opposition from some of the more influential pages who want to see her fail.

Kel’s perseverance and skill are put to the test when she is assigned a difficult task: to defend the kingdom against a group of rampaging bandits. With courage and resourcefulness, Kel leads her friends in a successful defense, proving that she is indeed capable of becoming a knight.

Key Takeaways:

• Breaking gender stereotypes: “First Test” explores the theme of challenging societal norms and breaking gender stereotypes. Kel’s determination to become a knight despite the odds inspires readers to pursue their dreams regardless of societal expectations.
• Perseverance and resilience: Kel’s journey is filled with obstacles and setbacks, but she never gives up. Her resilience and determination serve as a reminder that success often requires perseverance and the ability to overcome adversity.
• Friendship and support: Throughout the book, Kel finds support and friendship in unexpected places. Her relationships with her fellow pages highlight the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive community.

“I am a girl. I don’t have to be a lady.” – Keladry of Mindelan

In “First Test,” Tamora Pierce weaves a captivating tale of a young girl’s journey to become a knight, defying gender norms and facing numerous challenges along the way. Through Kel’s determination, readers are reminded of the importance of pursuing dreams, breaking stereotypes, and finding strength in friendship.