One Is One

by Barbara Leonie Picard

In 14th-century England, Stephen de Beauville dreams of becoming a knight—not a promising ambition for a contemplative boy with a talent for drawing. Quiet and solitary, Stephen must endure the bitter torments of his brothers and cousins until he finds his first true friend; through that friendship Stephen gains courage to endure the lack of kindness in his life. But believing that Stephen will never possess the valor to be a knight, his father abruptly sends him away to spend the rest of his life in a monastery. After a harsh apprenticeship in the monastery, Stephen realizes he must flee its confines. In a twist of fortune, he becomes squire to a wise knight and then attains knighthood himself. The death of his own young squire causes the twenty-six-year-old Stephen to re-examine his ambitions. In doing so, he makes an important His journey through dangerous times has instilled in him the strength and self-confidence to find his true place in the world. One is One portrays a man ready to heed his mentor's "Do not be afraid to do what you want to do." Several of Barbara Leonie Picard’s many books, including One Is One , have been shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal, Britain’s oldest children’s book award. Praise for One Is One and Barbara Leonie "Her narratives have the ring of tales told by skald and bard, and her choice of words would fill great halls. Her literary fairy tales are lushly romantic, with poetic language and an almost other-worldly knowledge that informs and enriches them. Open one of her books and read it aloud. See how her words will still echo in the storytelling rooms and libraries that have become our great halls."—Janice M. Del Negro "In One is One …there is a large cast of entirely credible characters and a good contrast is pointed between fourteenth-century courtly and monastic life. The strength of this book derives from its concern with important themes—loneliness, loyalty, courage and love; above all, self-knowledge."— The Spectator "Miss Picard has been bold in choosing for her hero a weakling and a coward. The final resolution of Stephen's doubts, though not unexpected, is most beautifully handled."— The Times Literary Supplement Barbara Leonie Picard (1917–2011) was the author of over twenty-five books, all of which have received praise for the mature and thought-provoking fare they offer young readers. Her first book was published in 1949. Her works include five historical novels for young adults, many retellings of myths and epics—including the Odyssey and the Iliad, the story of King Arthur, and legends of the Norse gods—and collections of fairy tales. Several of her books have been shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal, the oldest children's book award in the UK. Paul Dry Books also publishes Picard's book Ransom for a Knight .

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

285 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1965

About the author

Barbara Leonie Picard's first book was published in 1949, and was followed by over twenty more, all of which received praise for the mature and thought-provoking fare they offered young readers. She is well-known for her re-tellings of Homer, Gilgamesh, and ancient myths for young readers.

Reviews

[Sherry Chiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read One Is One when I was 10 years old, and it was one of the first books that made me cry. I reread it nearly 30 years later and cried once again. That may not sound like much of a recommendation, but the tears came near the beginning, not at the end, and are part of an amazingly cathartic tale. Stephen's journey from boyhood to adulthood is a difficult one, filled with enough adventure to please children who are reading it for the promise of derring-do, as well as with pathos, loss, and wonder.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time I read this book, I think I cried harder than at any book I've ever read since. I would have been 11 or 12. Revisiting it as an adult, the characters are just as vivid, the message just as strong.

[LinMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After spending a month reading dozens of medieval books for children, I would place this book as the best I have ever read. It is a hard story, though, emotionally wrenching throughout Stephen's youth, so I would not recommend it for children under 12. If you know anyone who has felt out of place, different from others, a loner, or simply lost in the midst of a crowd, this is a book that will resonate and give hope for eventually finding his true place. It also gives insight to how children can also be pulled into bullying by habit and mob psychology--sometimes without realizing the extent of their cruelty.

[Margareth8537 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and very moving book, that I have come back to several times

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Peonie Picard skillfully weaves the engaging story of Stephen in the realistic setting of 14th century Medieval England. Bullied and fearful as a child, Stephen understands, more than anything else, that he does not measure up to others' expectations of him and that he does not fit in. Stephen perseveres through numerous difficulties with surprising personal courage and a certain degree of aplomb. However, he is not, until many years later, able to recognize his own abilities or worth.

Unlike a run-of-the-mill coming-of-age story, One is One sheds light on an inner struggle so many of us face or have faced: accepting our God-given gifts. These gifts include talents, character traits, character-building experiences, friendships, love and loss...in other words, the God-directed tapestry of our lives. Picard has produced a truly rich and timeless tale. Highly recommended reading!

[Hannah Goodall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not read many mideval books, but after recieving this one as a gift, I made it my goal to do just that.
I found this book somewhat hard to get into towards the beginning but after engaging in most of the charactera and letting the storyline play out before me in my head like a play, I began to thoroughly enjoy this book.
There were multiple places that I almost cried and twice that I did (those who have read this already,could probably state where) but it was a good type of crying. ;)
Althpugh it took me a while to get through this book, and it may take a while for others, it is a very realistic story that I highly recommend.

Enjoy your reading.

[Toby · Rating 2 out of 5]

One is One is an interesting book that is unlike most mainstream writing. However, from the middle to the end, the book was awfully boring and it seemed like a chore when I was reading it. The beginning has a gripping hook and was a great read. I recommend this book if you're interesting in medieval writing, but if you want a book that will be a fun and exciting read, don't read this one. One is truly One and that's what I'd rate this book on a scale of 1 to 10.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorite young adult coming of age novels that I read as a young person in the 1960s.It is now out of print, but shouldn't be-- beautiful novel about figuring out who you are, no matter what the norms around you, about love, devotion, loss, and finding oneself. I read it aloud to my kids years later when I finally found it.

[Hirosasazaki Sasazaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a masterpiece. Enjoyed reading it very much especially after watching Robin Hood.

[Margot Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story of medieval times with a relatable main character. I really enjoyed it. The only problem is the author's bias about monastic life. She says in the notes that she thought that misfits in medieval times would end up in monasteries since there would be no other place for them. Spoiler: So when the main character makes his final vocation decision, there is no mention of God in it and no repentance for his past sins before entering the monastery.

[Meg G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke me. You should read it.

[Myra · Rating 2 out of 5]

One is One is a great book that takes place in England during the fourteenth century. It is about a boy named Stephen De Bouville who is the son of a Earl and has many sisters and brothers who constantly tease him. Stephen has always wanted to be a knight, but his family thinks him a coward and tries to make him a monk. This book follows Stephen and how he gains and loses those he cares about. Although this is a well written book, it is not fast paced or adventurous.

[Ava · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first picked up this book I was unwilling to enjoy it. As I got further into the heart of the story I began to enjoy it more. The book is set in medieval times so you learn about castles horses and knights. The antagonist of the story, Stephen is a young boy living in a castle with his large family. He is constantly beaten by his cousins and is though of as the weakling of the family. Stephens father wishes him to be a monk, however Stephen has other plans.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is interesting, but I don't think it was overall a great book and the plot seemed to turn out to be a bit of a let down. At some points in the book it was interesting, at other moments it was a slow moving plot that wasn't fun to read. Overall, this book wasn't half bad. If you like a book that steps into life in medieval times, this book is right for you.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved this well-written YA novel set in 14th-century England. It was well researched, thoughtful, and completely
believable. A tad slow, though , when I think of the pacing of most current YA titles, but nothing that made me impatient.
Definitely planning on reading more by the same author!

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as a child - must re-read one day.

[Aleng Byute]

:)

[Maceo · Rating 5 out of 5]

One is One was a great read in all I would recommend this to some one who really enjoyed Beyonders by Brandon Mull its like that without magic.

[CLM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vividly depicted but ultimately depressing; quite unlike the other books by this author I remember from childhood. I had bought this for my nephews but suspect they are too sensitive to read it.