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396 pp.
| Walker
| May, 2019
|
TradeISBN 978-1-5362-0498-8$24.99
(2)
YA
In a graphic novel loosely inspired by sixteenth-century British history, young Margaret has lived on the Island in a convent since she was a baby. At almost twelve, she discovers an unhappy secret about the Island and her own status there: she is a prisoner. The mixed-media illustrations in an earthy palette are a dynamic mix of panel sizes and shapes that reflect the emotions, intrigue, and actions of the complex characters.
Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 2019
399 pp.
| Random/S&W
| May, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-5247-1619-6$18.99
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-5247-1620-2$21.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-5247-1621-9
(3)
YA
Also written by Jennifer Donnelly, Candace Fleming, Stephanie Hemphill, Deborah Hopkinson, Linda Sue Park, and Lisa Ann Sandell. In first-person narratives by six female authors, each of Henry VIII's wives gives a retrospective account of the loves, flirtations, and political maneuverings that brought about the end of her time as Henry's queen. Between wives, Anderson offers Henry's perspective, musing on his loves and lusts; Anderson's sly rendering reveals the depths of the king's complacency and egotism.
450 pp.
| HarperTeen
| September, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-268614-5$18.99
(3)
YA
Three Dark Crowns series.
Katharine finally holds the crown of Fennbirn, but a growing rebellion troubles her reign. On the mainland, Arsinoe's and Mirabella's new lives are interrupted by haunting dreams that call them to return home. But it seems the rules the triplet queens were raised with have changed... With her large cast of characters fully established, Blake's expertly labyrinthine plotting comes to the fore in this third installment in the series.
32 pp.
| Whitman
| October, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8075-6636-7$16.99
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Luisa Uribe.
Princess Charlotte brings a decorated yew branch, a German Christmas tradition, when she marries England's King George III in 1761. Forty years later, she hosts a Christmas party with a decorated yew tree. Based on real-life events that brought the Christmas tree to Britain, the approachable text emphasizes Charlotte's generosity, concern for children, and love of nature. Muted, soft-lined illustrations portray a relatable queen. Biographical information appended. Reading list.
Reviewer: Katie Bircher
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2018
371 pp.
| Candlewick
| May, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-8807-3$16.99
(3)
YA
When eleven-year-old Miss V. becomes young Princess Victoria's companion at Kensington Palace, she doesn't realize how her father, Sir John Conroy, will manipulate her to support the oppressive Kensington System controlling the future queen's life. This alternate history chronicling the girls' friendship over several years until the coronation is full of accurate details and historical figures, including Miss V. A must-read for Queen Victoria enthusiasts.
32 pp.
| Holt
| March, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8050-9769-6$16.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Migy.
Beatrice, a fictional medieval princess, takes readers through her typical day and debunks myths about princesses reinforced by fairy tales (e.g., real princesses don't frolic and sing to animals, they "practice riding and archery"). Detailed mixed-media illustrations reinforce the informative and amusing text, offering a realistic representation of the Middle Ages. An author's note provides additional insights about royal life. Bib.
(2)
YA
A vivid portrait of the feisty British monarch who ruled for over sixty years. Reef dexterously shows not only Victoria's development as a person but also her evolution as a ruler within the social and political upheavals of her time, elegantly layering in details to provide a broader view of the era. Primary source material and spectacular reproductions in full color appear throughout. Timeline. Bib., ind.
Reviewer: Monica Edinger
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
January, 2018
(4)
YA
Collective Biographies series.
Following a brief introduction describing historical obstacles to women's careers in sciences or leadership, each volume profiles six successful women and their rise to influence. Each fairly short bio narrates the ups and downs of its subject's career, and most paint the woman as an encouraging role model. Photographs, sidebars, and pull-quotes liven up the dense, textbook-like presentations. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers the following Collective Biographies: Women Scientists and Inventors and Women World Leaders.
48 pp.
| National
| December, 2015
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4263-2138-2$13.99
|
PaperISBN 978-1-4263-2137-5$3.99
(4)
K-3
National Geographic Kids Readers series.
This leveled text geared toward "fluent readers" profiles the last queen of Egypt. Short chapters cover specific topics, including life in ancient Egypt, Cleopatra's early years, and political upheavals. The pages are crammed with text, archival reproductions, and photos. "Words to Know" and "That's a Fact!" boxes and sidebars with related information are part of the mix. A quiz is appended. Timeline. Glos., ind.
263 pp.
| Philomel
| September, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-0-399-16887-1$16.99
(3)
4-6
Princess Haya of Jordan, whose mother died when she was three, raises an orphaned Arabian foal named Bree. After much training, they ride for the Royal Stables in the Jordanian King's Cup. Details of Princess Haya's Bedouin ancestry and her challenges at boarding school in England enliven this sweet, heartening girl-and-horse tale based on the real-life Olympic equestrienne Princess Haya's accomplishments.
(4)
4-6
Extraordinary Women series.
Each of these books profiles a highly prominent woman, covering her current role and accomplishments, past achievements, education, and early years. Lots of photographs, captions, and text boxes help to break up the accessible text but contribute to a busy look. "Then and Now" boxes consider how each has contributed to changing views on women in public life. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Extraordinary Women titles: Michelle Obama and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
522 pp.
| Viking
| June, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-0-670-01401-9$17.99
(3)
YA
At age fourteen, Mary Howard and Henry FitzRoy (an illegitimate son of King Henry VIII) were married but forbidden to consummate the relationship. From this thin skein of historic fact, Longshore weaves a tale of love growing amid the corruption, ambition, and betrayals of the Tudor court. Detailed research and a deftly composed heroine make this hefty historical romance novel satisfying.
295 pp.
| Scholastic/Point
| October, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-46809-1$18.99
(4)
YA
Colette struggles to keep up appearances (and placate her snobbish friends) after her parents' divorce. A class trip to Paris is a welcome distraction, but ghostly visions of Marie Antoinette and a series of gruesome socialite murders lead Colette into a supernatural mystery that spans back to the French Revolution. Underdeveloped characters and trite teenage issues detract from the camp.
557 pp.
| Candlewick
| October, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-6694-1$22.99
(3)
YA
In this taut, fraught (and not for the squeamish) story of court intrigue in a fictional 1570s Scandinavian city, three women brought together by bad events realize that men are at best self-interested "users of women." Diseases (especially STDs), poisons, and cruelty abound; Cokal is clearly fascinated by Renaissance medical remedies. Vivid writing and a coldly intelligent narrative voice suit the clever plot and fiercely drawn cast.
266 pp.
| Simon/Wiseman
| January, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4169-8729-1$16.99
(3)
YA
This first-person reconstruction of Queen Victoria's life from late childhood through the early years of her marriage focuses on the isolation that colored her childhood and her capacity for intense loyalty and strong passions. Meyer ultimately implies that Albert's good sense stabilized Victoria's reign. Sympathetic without sentimentality and informative without overwhelming detail, Meyer provides a plausible window into Victoria's mind. Timeline, websites. Bib.
32 pp.
| Goosebottom
| October, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-9834256-6-3$18.95
(4)
4-6
Thinking Girl's Treasury of Dastardly Dames series.
Illustrated by
Peter Malone.
This short biography details the life of Njinga, a princess born into the Ndongo Kingdom of central West Africa in the sixteenth century who eventually became her tribe's first queen. The central narrative--organized meanderingly--is complemented by sidebars, photographs, and illustrations. This is a balanced portrayal that includes coverage on some touchy subjects, such as slavery, cannibalism, and infanticide. Bib.
112 pp.
| ABDO
| August, 2012
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-61783-545-2$23.95
(4)
YA
Lives Cut Short series.
These standard-issue biographies, accompanied by numerous stock photos, introduce readers to celebrities who died young, relating their superstardom, troubled last years, and continuing legacies without adoration or sensationalism. Serious issues such as substance abuse, public-image struggles, and marriage problems are covered directly and honestly. Plentiful sidebars break up the text but sometimes distract from the main narrative. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Lives Cut Short titles: Whitney Houston, Kurt Cobain, Diana, and Marilyn Monroe.
32 pp.
| Holiday
| February, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8234-2223-4$16.95
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Jill Weber.
In this faithful retelling of the Purim story, beautiful Esther becomes queen of Persia and saves her fellow Hebrews from wicked Haman. Kimmel's storytelling is straightforward and natural (though the text may be too long for younger children). Weber's rich jewel-toned illustrations are a treat, evoking the grandness of the royal setting and the intense emotions of the characters.
45 pp.
| Prestel
| March, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-3-7913-5096-7$14.95
(3)
4-6
Text by Marianne Meyer Bianchi. Undersea archaeologist Goddio seeks artifacts on the ocean floor. Detailed here are his expeditions in Egypt, searching for ancient artifacts, and the Philippines, looking for remains from the 1600 San Diego. Background information on the areas and their historical significance provides context before specific finds, along with techniques for underwater archaeology, are discussed. Plentiful photos, maps, and sidebars supplement the text.
28 pp.
| Goosebottom
| October, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-9834256-1-8$18.95
(4)
4-6
Thinking Girl's Treasury of Dastardly Dames series.
Illustrated by
Peter Malone.
Profiling some of history's most notorious women rulers, this series employs crisp writing along with an appealing mix of dramatic paintings and photographs (mainly of places and items). The main texts deliver plenty of gory details; most volumes include sidebars highlighting cultural specifics. It's a little all over the place, but the series, with its sharp hook, should appeal to a diverse readership. Review covers these Thinking Girl's Treasury of Dastardly Dames titles: Agrippina, Catherine de' Medici, Cixi, Cleopatra, Marie Antoinette, and Mary Tudor.