Peggy Woodford 
One Son is Enough
Published 2006 by Walker Books
ISBN 1844281450
For 10 years + (but see review below by 11 year-old Miranda, who thinks it would be fine for 8+)
ONE SON IS ENOUGH is set in Ottoman Turkey c. 1800. It tells the story of twin nomad boys, Osman and Iskander, who are separated by the Sultan’s Youth Levy. This was a form of slavery – the boys chosen were taken to be trained at the Sultan’s palace and expected to serve him for life as soldiers, civil servants, personal pages, gardeners, cooks, or whatever was needed and they were good at. They were on the whole well treated and received a good education, but it was still a permanent separation from their homes, and my twin heroes Osman and Iskander decide they will try to defeat the system.When Iskander is captured and taken to Constantinople, Osman decides to follow and try to free him. But the odds against them are huge – vast spaces, dangerous foes, a heavily fortified and guarded Palace. To find out what happens, you must read the book...
Review from Miranda, aged 11
“As soon as I started reading “One Son is Enough” I couldn’t put it down!...
The story made me think a lot about how difficult life can be in some places and for some people. A couple of weeks before I read this I had a new baby sister which made me feel how terrible it would be for there to be a law which meant she would be taken away because there is already a girl in our family. I really felt that I was in the book and inside each boy as their story is told. My heart sank when things went wrong and I was desperate for them to be reunited.
I found it an inspiring read and would recommend it for children 8+ and adults alike - my dad is half way through!”
COMING SOON
Savash
For a thousand years Constantinople was the biggest richest city in the Christian world, famous for its beauty, fine buildings, gold and gems. It was also famous for its amazingly strong protective walls. No enemies had been able to take it by siege, until in 1453, along came the 21 year-old Ottoman Sultan Mehmet 11, with a brilliantly trained army and some devastating new weapons.
Savash tells how three teenagers, Taddeo, Alba, and Homer - two Italians and a Greek- are caught up in the bitter battle for Constantinople, which finally fell to the Ottoman Turks in May 1453. It’s a story of vicious fighting, cruelty and betrayal, and of tenacious love.
For readers of 12+
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