(4) YA When Isabel, the beautiful daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella's respected court physician, discovers her family's secret Jewish roots, her bold actions put the family in peril as the Grand Inquisitor Torquemada threatens torture, expulsion, and death. The characterization of historic figures is over the top, but this is a powerful, dramatic portrayal of Spain's brutal years leading up to the 1492 Jewish expulsion.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(4) K-3 Ready-to-Read: Young Princesses around the World series. Illustrated by Nonna Aleshina. In an event supposedly based on a true story (though the book lacks documentation), Isabel protects her little brother (or hermano--a handful of Spanish words are sprinkled throughout) from King Henry, their half-brother who fears for his throne. Isabel emerges as a plucky and sympathetic heroine; her future as queen is mentioned (her role in the Inquisition glossed over). Stiff pictures illustrate most pages. Timeline.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) YA European Queens series. Whether they came to the throne through their own machinations or because they were next in line, these five women made history-altering contributions--both good and bad--to their respective countries. While the books don't neglect to discuss the intrigues and assignations of these monarchs, the laudatory tone downplays each ruler's flaws. Black-and-white and crisp color reproductions appear throughout. Timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these European Queens titles: Marie Antoinette and the Decline of the French Monarchy, Catherine de'Medici and the Protestant Reformation, Catherine the Great and the Enlightenment in Russia, Queen Isabella and the Unification of Spain, and Queen Victoria and the British Empire.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(3) YA Rulers and Their Times series. Divided into three parts, the books in this series cover the lives of the individuals featured, as well as everyday life and the literature of the times. Interesting facts about society, clothing, housing, food, cosmetics, sports, and other daily activities are brought to life. The books are illustrated with plentiful archival art. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Rulers and Their Times titles: Elizabeth I and Tudor England; Isabel, Ferdinand and Fifteenth-Century Spain; Louis XVI, Marie-Antoinette and the French Revolution.]

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) YA In 1492 Spain, fourteen-year-old Maria becomes the servant to a wealthy family of Jewish converts to Catholicism. When the family is persecuted by the Inquisitors, partly because of her own reports, Maria helps them flee on a ship captained by her uncle. The first-person voice isn't always convincing, but a number of the characters are engaging.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Royal Diaries series. This is the fictional diary of Isabel of Castilla, who later sponsored Christopher Columbus. Dreading marriage to King Alfonso V of Portugal, she schemes instead to marry the younger Prince Fernando of Aragón. The writing flows well and is age appropriate, and Meyer makes a distinction between history and fiction in the appended historical notes. A family tree and glossary of characters are included.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam