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Reviews (95)

A wonderful, accurate glimpse of Marie Antoinette before she became the pawn to a group of royals
The year is 1769. Thirteen-year-old Maria Antonia, Archduchess of Austria, is just coming into her own, finally being forced to bridge the gap between childhood and teenage-dom, but she cannot for the life of her leave behind her love of all things childish. From sledding to playing with dolls, and spending time with her seven-year-old niece, Titi. But her mother, Empress Maria Theresa will not stand for young Antonia's nonsense. She feels that by pressuring Antonia to excel at speaking French, riding horses, etiquette, reading, writing, history, and a slew of other tasks in which Antonia finds mundane, her youngest of fifteen brothers and sisters will win the heart of the future King of France, Louis Auguste, and be chosen to take her place beside him as the future Queen of France. Therefore, she must forfeit her childhood, and take on the role as perfect Princess. But that is easier said than done, for, while Antonia longs to rule a fashionable country such as France, she can't say goodbye to the many things she loves. However, she must learn to do just that, for in the blink of an eye, she is summoned by the King's messengers, and swept off to the foreign land. A place where she must leave behind everything she has grown to love over the years, including her family, friends, and belongings. Once in France, Antonia, now known as Marie Antoinette, realizes that things are not as splendid as she had hoped. Her fiance leaves much to be desired, the King's mistress, Madame du Barry is causing all kinds of trouble regarding her position, and she is forced to observe utterly ridiculous customs that make no sense. Now, young Marie Antoinette must find a way to stay strong, or lose the position that she has worked so hard to claim.
Great Book
This is such a great book. It's a real page turner. This book talks about Marie Antoinette as a 13 year old and how she's preparing for marriage, and it talks about her living with her mom. In the back of the book it has facts, paintings, and a family tree of the real Marie Antoinette.

A different side of Marie Antoinette
It is 1796, and Maria Antonia is only thirteen years old. However, she is expected to marry the king of France.
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Subjects:  1. 1755-1793    2. Biographical - European    3. Childhood and youth    4. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 4-6    7. Diaries    8. Fiction    9. Historical - Europe    10. History - General    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Juvenile Historical Fiction    13. Kings, queens, rulers, etc.    14. Marie Antoinette,    15. Queen, consort of Louis XVI, K    16. Queen, consort of Louis XVI, King of France,    17. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    18. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / General    19. Marie Antoinette   

Editorial Review

The year is 57 B.C., and 12-year-old Cleopatra, Princess of the Nile, has a lot on her mind. Her father, the Pharaoh of Egypt, nearly died when a venomous adder meant for him attacked and killed his favorite servant. Now the Pharaoh has gone into hiding, hunted by his enemies, and the young princess has to keep her head--literally--as her power-hungry older sister Tryphaena threatens to grab her father's throne.Read more

Reviews (155)

the life of Cleopatra
If you enjoy reading about Cleopatra you may find this book to be of interest.It works like a diary the way Cleopatra talks about the things going on in her life.Her families empire disappearing, escaping Alexandria, fleeing to Rome, it's all here.You need to own this if learning about Cleopatra is your thing.

I love this book
This book is really cool. It is the story of Cleopatra, I have not read many books about her time period. When I picked up this one I fell in love with her story. It tells a great deal about history and it is a great book to do a book report on. I loved it.

Cleopatra VII
Overall, this is a very good book. It was not very historical at all, so you didn't actually learn very much about Cleopatra by reading the entertaining part, but in the Epologue it told the story of the rest of her life. I think that this book should be for children from about 8-13. It was a bit youthful for me, but I think pretty much anyone would enjoy this book if they liked the style of writing. This book definitely led me to want to learn more about Cleopatra VII and I think that although this wasn't very acurate, it helped me learn a lot more about Cleopatra and her life.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Cleopatra,    5. Diaries    6. Egypt    7. Fiction    8. Historical - Ancient Civilizations    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Juvenile Historical Fiction    11. Queen of Egypt,    12. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    13. d. 30 B.C    14. d. 30 B.C.    15. Cleopatra    16. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / General   

Reviews (7)

A nice piece to add to my collection
i collece the royal diaries series, so this book fit nicely on the shelf. arrival time was prompt, and the condition of the book was fantastic.

A flower's story.

The golden flower deserves five golden, shiny stars
I absoloutely loved the vivid diary of Anacaona, leader of Haiti.She is the golden flower throughout the story and i know that Edwidge Danticat is definitaly the 2nd best ROYAL DIARY WRITER,(first being Kathryn Lasky)This diary tells the true story of the beautiful Anacaona,golden flower of Haiti.This book is based throughout a series of symbols Anacaona used to write her days,just like how the other young women of the other royal diay series wrote down their days into perfect little pages(except for Victoria who stole hers)I thought this book was great and intersting even though theepilogue was sadder than the one of Kaiulani and Anastasia.I also love the radiant beauty that shined through the face of Princes Anacaona of Haiti in the front cover.The words were well chosen and said throughout and i especially like the way the white people said as bad and black good(this happened in the royal diary of Nzingha)I didn't find one bit of the story dull and absorbed the beauty of this beautiful woman in an exotic country,Haiti and independant that will always be rememberd.
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Subjects:  1. Anacaona,    2. Biographical - General    3. Biographical - Other    4. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 4-6    7. Fiction    8. Historical - Ancient Civilizations    9. Historical - Exploration & Discoveries    10. Historical - Other    11. Indians of the West Indies    12. Juvenile Fiction    13. Juvenile Historical Fiction    14. Kings, queens, rulers, etc.    15. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    16. Taino Indians    17. d. 1504    18. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Exploration & Discovery   

Reviews (25)

Different from the other Royal Diary books
This is definetly not your typical royal diary book. Instead of being set in England Or France, this story takes place in Ancient Korea (A.D. 595) with Sondok: Princess of the Moon and Stars. It's a unique idea but the story is indeed missing something. The cover is beautiful and the book is very durable and contains a breif history of Sondok and Korean Royalty at the back. All-n-all, i enjoyed it.

The princess of the moon, stars and the universe
Sondok, heir of the royal throne of Silla is more like a man than an elegant lady.She is misunderstood by many of the few people that finally earn her respect in her book.She is a strong and young woman who is interested in the moon and the stars and has a secret love on a servant boy who her father wants her to marry, yet she declines.Sondok is one of 4 daughters who are royal and the heart of Korea.In many parts in this book, Sondok's father is mingling under the influence of a Chinese astrologist.Due to this,Sondok loses a relative, a loved one who is sent far away to never be seen again.Even though the end of this tale is tragic, i must say this is definitely one of the best royal diaries that i have ever read,due to it's suspense and royalty, a pure elegance that has never been achieved in any other royal diary
Sondok. Terrific!
By putting notes in an ancestral jar of her grandmothers ,Sondok princess of Korea began a diary about the happenings in her life and around the palace.Having an interest in the planets and stars Sondok was quite excited when a chinese astronomer was coming to visit the Korean royal family.But after being rejected by the astronomer and her father and being told that astronomy isn't for ladies ,Sondok sees red.Sondok buried her astronomy case and took on weaving,sewing and studying vowing she would never study astronomy again.But after breaking her vow ,she looses one of the most precious people in her life.This is an excellent new addition to the Royal Diaries Series and should be read by all fans. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Fiction    5. Historical - General    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Juvenile Historical Fiction    8. Princesses    9. Queen of Silla,    10. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    11. Sex role    12. Silla (Kingdom)    13. Sondok,    14. d. 647    15. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / General    16. Sondok   

Reviews (26)

Interesting Take on the Life of an Empress
I liked this book. It was a lot of fun to read it. It is about a girl who will marry the Emperor of Austria and become the Empress. I liked how the book described the complex personality of Elisabeth. She likes animals (especially horses), but she also likes looking beautiful. I found her love for the Emperor believable. It was different from other books in the Royal Diaries series because most of the books gloss over girls wanting to look pretty. However, I thought it could have elaborated on her relationship with her mother more. The length was short, but it shouldn't stop you from reading this interesting book.

Elizabeth
This is a very good book.It makes you think twice about wanting to be an Empress, Queen, Princess.....

The Princess Bride
I have read this book only once, and will probubly not be reading it again. When i look to read these books, i look for books that are detailed, historicly correct, that are fun to read. Ive never heard of Elisabeth, and i do not think alot of people actually have. Well, heres my review -
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Subjects:  1. 1837-1898    2. Austria    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Diaries    6. Elisabeth,    7. Empress, consort of Franz Jose    8. Empress, consort of Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria    9. Fiction    10. Historical - Europe    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Juvenile Historical Fiction    13. Princesses    14. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    15. Elisabeth    16. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / General   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (130)

Best book EVER!!!!!!!
I love this book because of the way she wants attention from her father and the way she feels about her half-sister Mary. If I love this book, you will too. I know because I read this book 5 times!!!!!!!!

A Good Read
First off,I love the royal diaries collection and thid book is my favorite.It`s a fictional diary about ElizabethI and how she feels about everything going on in her life.It describes only when she was a child.It`s about her troubles with her father,(HenryVIII)her sister(Mary)and how she feels about her mother(Anne Bolyne)being put to death by her father accused of adultery.One thing that makes this book nice is that you could go through things similar and realize that even though she was a princess,somethings were very much like us and very different from us.When something bad happened, I felt fot her and realised that evem though this is fiction and not true,that she did`nt have it that easy.

My Favorite Book!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I read this book I wasn't into reading but because of this book I read all the time now and a lot on Elizabeth. After I read this book it made me want to know more about Elizabeth. It is gripping and exiting!!!!!!!! It is my FAVORITE BOOK!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1533-1603    2. Childhood and youth    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Diaries    7. Elizabeth    8. Fiction    9. Historical - Europe    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Juvenile Historical Fiction    12. Princesses    13. Queen of England,    14. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    15. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / General    16. Monarchs & royalty    17. United Kingdom, Great Britain   

Editorial Review

Sent from her native Scotland to live in the court of her futurefather-in-law, King Henry II of France, young Mary, Queen of Scots, spends hertime attending balls, hunting and hawking, learning Latin and fractions andmusic, and playing with her future husband, Francis. In Kathryn Lasky'sfictionalized diary of the 11-year-old queen, readers will get a piquant tasteof 16th-century life in Europe. Mary is quite aware of her role as the betrothedto France's royal family. Playing chess together one day, Francis comments toMary, "Did it ever strike you, Mary, that we are not so much children and sonsand daughters of parents as we are pieces on a gigantic chessboard calledEurope? You are given to me to help checkmate England." As with the other titlesin the Royal Diaries series (Read more

Reviews (39)

Good FICTION book
THis book is a good read.I've found though that many books in this series are incomplete.They fail to metion any parts of their deaths.I for one don't like this.In History Mary Queen of Scots was killed by her cousin Elizabeth I of England.I also noticed that in the last grand duchess, they again failed to show why she ended up as the last grand duchess.I enjoyed reading this book.In reality, the book isn't a history lesson and shouldn't be read as such.Finally, it is an incomplete account based on a certain author's view.

Queen of Scotland, lived in France
I'm a big fan of the Royal Diaries series and own this book, which i think is very interesting. It tells you alot about the life of Mary Queen Of Scots, where she lived, ect. I acually didn't know she had lived in France before i read this book. Historicly corrrct, interesting and fun to read; this book also mentions Elizabeth I, whom a diary in this series has also been written after. I definetly recomend this book.

Mary, Queen of Scots
Alright, here is some information about the history of this family. This is not completly about this book, but scince so many people are getting their history wrong, i chose to write a review just for that reason.
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Subjects:  1. 1542-1587    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Diaries    6. Fiction    7. France    8. Henry II, 1547-1559    9. Historical - General    10. History    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Juvenile Historical Fiction    13. Kings, queens, rulers, etc.    14. Mary,    15. Queen of Scots,    16. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    17. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / General    18. Mary   

Reviews (14)

Wonderful!
I loved the adventures of Weetamoo, and I wanted to read more even though the book was done!

Weetamoo
Weetamoo is the inspiring story of a young Native American girl who strives to become a woman and for patience. The beginning starts out kind of slow, and it's hard to get into. But if you keep reading then you really get into it. It was interesting to see the way she changed throughout the diary. It was also interesting to find out the way the authour took a real historical character and turned her into a fictional one. Her true life story is really tragic, and so is the end of the book. It depends on your age weather I'd recommend it or not. It can be a little childish and too easy to read at times. Other than that, it's a great story!

Enjoyable, but lacks solid information.
"Weetamoo: Heart of the Pocassets, Massachusetts, 1653" took me by surprise, since I did not know about this woman, and because she did not know how to read or write.This last fact made it harder for me to let myself into her world, knowing that the things in her diary may not have happened that way, much less at all.If you set this historical bungle aside, then the story is quite interesting, but slow-going.I really wanted to know more about the "Coat-men" (the English settlers) according to Weetamoo, and I felt the ending was very hasty.Much research and time went into this book, and I give credit to author Patricia Clark Smith for undertaking such a task, and I blame myself for not truly appreciating it, since I was caught up in the accuracy or their lack of it.Since not much is known about Weetamoo, I had trouble seeing her through this diary, and after a while, I had to resign myself to thinking that this diary belonged to an ordinary Native American girl.If you can look past the lack of information about Weetamoo, then this could be an enjoyable book.I "sorta" recommend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Fiction    4. Historical - United States - Colonial    5. Indians of North America    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Juvenile Historical Fiction    8. Massachusetts    9. People & Places - United States - Native American    10. Pocasset Indians    11. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    12. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / General   

Editorial Review

Princess Red Bird, 16-year-old daughter of the Hsien king in 6th centurySouthern China, has been born into a world of dispute and violence. When she issent to a Chinese colony to be educated, she must contend with the disdainfulattitudes of her hosts, who consider the Hsien to be savages, even as both theChinese and the Hsien are at constant risk of attack from the truly savageneighboring people, the Dog Heads. In reality, the princess is a fair and wiseleader, even at a young age, with a brilliant mind for military stratagems. Herleadership skills are put to the test when war breaks out and the Dog Headsbegin to move in.Read more

Reviews (46)

A fantastic addition to the Royal Diary series!!!
Princess Redbird is a 15 year old princess of the Hsien tribe. The Hsiens are thought as 'savages' among all the other tribes in China. They are constantly at war and Redbird misses her father who so often cancels special occasions for his wars throughout China with his opponent 'The Dog Heads' an evil militia. The time is A.D. 531 and Redbird wants to become part of her father's royal council as her brother has. Instead, her parents set her up at the chinese colony, away from her precious home at Kingfisher Hill. Princess Redbird writes about her times at Kingfisher Hill, celebrations she's celebrated and how one day she hopes to inherit the Hsien throne. A gift that has never been casted down on a woman. Redbird lives a sleepy and lazt life until she learns that her school has set aflame with all the people inside it! Redbird must rise to the challenge and prove herself the true warrior of the south.

Long but interesting
When I first got this book I expected bamboo, chopsticks, honorable monks and all that other stereotype Chinese stuff. But I saw that life in sixth century China was not that way. The Chinese were beyond bamboo but the Hsien people to the south weren't. The Hsien who lived in Southern China at the time lived a peaceful life in the forests until the jealous Dog Heads (who I think were from India or Vietnam) came and the Chinese help them. The Hsien send their Princess Red Bird to become a liasion and makes a clever plan to defeat the Dog Head Elephants. This Clever Book-loving Princess records in Five Scrolls her life living with her Father the king and then later her brother King Little Tiger who was a royal pain like this other Chinese rich colonist girl who ends up living with Red Bird. But I think lot's of kids who love books can relate to Princess Red Bird. I hope you like it as much as I have.

Lady of Ch'iao Kuo book review
We had to read this book for class and I thought it was one of the worst books I ever read!I do not recommend it for you to read.It is very boring! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Fiction    4. Historical - Asia    5. Historical - General    6. Identity    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Juvenile Historical Fiction    9. Minorities    10. Princesses    11. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    12. War    13. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / General   

Editorial Review

Anastasia is a carefree young duchess, daughter of NicholasAlexandrovitch Romanov, tsar of all the Russias in 1914. While her fatherattends to the turbulent affairs of a vast and complex country, Anastasia'smajor concerns are how to get out of her detested schoolwork to play in thesnow, go ice skating, or have picnics. She wears diamonds and rubies, and everymorning her mother tells her which matching outfit she and her three sistersshall wear that day. Slowly a hint of future trouble enters her happy, pamperedlife. Anastasia's younger brother, the future tsar, is a hemophiliac--a"bleeder" who cannot stop bleeding if he is cut or bruised. Anastasia begins tolearn that all is not well in the outside world, either. Not everyone in Russiaworships her father as she does, and the Germans are about to declare war onRussia. Anastasia's world gradually deteriorates, as reported in her youthful,often playful journal.Read more

Reviews (94)

Anastasia Romanov
This book gets only exciting at the end when the Romanovs get arrested. 'till then, Anastasia led a boring life. I do not recommend this book to anyone, and do not be fooled by the other reviewers, this book is definitely not good. ( But gets slightly better at the end)

Not that good
I do not think this book is as good as I thought it would be. It is a very boring diary and definitely the Marie Antoinette book is better.I do not like the book about Cleopatra much either.The book on Anastasiajust talks about when she goes to picnics and other palaces and when she went on yatchs. Since I heard so many good reviews on this book, I thought on buying this book, but it turnes out it is'nt that good. I cannot believe people actually like this book even. Anastasia led a boring life and she recorded it in her boring diary.

Alright as a work of fiction
But don't accept this as history. Obviously, the woman know as 'Anna Anderson' was Anastasia Romanov. DNA tests done of specimens found in a hosptial and on a book shelf are not conclusive evidence. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1901-1918    2. Anastasia,    3. Anastasiia Nikolaevna,    4. Anastasiëiìa Nikolaevna,    5. Biographical - European    6. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    7. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    8. Children: Grades 4-6    9. Diaries    10. Fiction    11. Grand Duchess, daughter of Nic    12. Grand Duchess, daughter of Nicholas II, Emperor of Russia,    13. Historical - Europe    14. Juvenile Fiction    15. Juvenile Historical Fiction    16. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    17. Anastasia    18. Anastasiia Nikolaevna    19. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / General    20. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (13)

Kazunomiya: Prisoner of Heaven
This book begins with references to several Japanese customs, such as tea ceremonies and brush painting. More of these references repeatedly show up on almost every page of the book. This makes for a very breezy read.
One of the greatest eras of change!!
12 year old, Kazunomiya is a virtual prisoner living in luxury behind the vast walls of the Japanese Palace.She is born in the year of the fire horse, which is a bad omen, especially when her father died after her birth, so they made her elder her age by one year.Kazunomiya, who lives her methodical life behind the palace walls, is going to find a new change in her life.
This is the best one out!
Hi. I loved this book so much. It really blew me away. Lasky's books are all really good but this is the best! I have always really liked Japanese culture and when I saw this bookI said, "I got to get it! "Set in 1858, a few years after Japan's treaty with the Americans or "White Faced Devils" This book is about Kazunomiya princess of Japan. Her mother was the Emporer's favorite misstress, but she is not the favorite of others. The Empress Mother hates the mother and plots to rid of her for good. She always thinks of ways to insult the mother rudley. Kazunomiya's half brother is the new emporer and has made her a marrage proposal to a Prince whom she loves. Then Kazunomiya meets the future shogun of Japan, a boy named Yoshi about her age who she dislikes, but ends up becoming friends with him. When the old shogun dies, Yoshi becomes the new one.Kazunomiya's birthday has been changed so that she may be conpadable with her Prince and she is clearly mad about that. This book stands out in good way and is well worth the money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1846-1877    2. Biographical - Other    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Diaries    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Historical - Asia    9. History    10. Japan    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Juvenile Historical Fiction    13. Kazunomiya,    14. Princess of Japan,    15. Princesses    16. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    17. Seikanin no Miya,    18. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Asia   

Reviews (43)

The Grand Begum Sahib
It's a wonderful book. Jahanara is living in the Deccan for a long time. After a while she gets to go back to her home where many things happen. She adopts a baby. Her mom dies in childbirth. It brings new life and death. The book has sweet turns, odd turns and sad turns. I highly recommend it. It is a good book with lots of emotions.

Extremely good, but not the very best
Jahanara is a prisoner of Nur Mahal, so are the rest of her family.But her father overcomes it and soon regains his power as the true Emperor.Jahanara certainly has a boring life, which is pulled down by Nur Mahal.Sneaking food during the Ramadan fasting and starting a flirting bazaar, Jahanara will stop at nothing to make her life as exciting as the rest of the other Royal Diary princesses.But when darkness comes over and plunges Jahanara and her family in darkness, only Jahanara can prove herself worthy of the Indian Royal family, and stop her brother from joining forces with the evil Nur Mahal.This book is a choicy read for Royal Diary fans, as I found, the cover isn't as attractive as others.But don't judge a book by it's cover.No real fan does that!

The Royal Diaries Jahanara Princess of Princesses
Jahanara is from India.This diary takes place back in the year 1627.She was 13 years old when she first started this this diary.She calls her grandma Nur Mahal, The Snake.She also has terrible dreams about her. Jahanara adopts a child a bit later in the story. If you read the book you'll find out all about her adventures. I'll say most of these books are mostly made for girls to read. It's an really great book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1526-1765    2. 1614-1680    3. Childhood and youth    4. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 4-6    7. Diaries    8. Fiction    9. Historical - General    10. History    11. India    12. Jahanara, Begum,    13. Juvenile Fiction    14. Juvenile Historical Fiction    15. Princesses    16. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    17. Shahjahan,    18. Jahanara, Begum    19. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / General    20. Shah Jahan   

Editorial Review

Ellen Emerson White's contribution to the fictionalized Royal Diariesseries portrays the short life of Hawaiian princess Kaiulani Cleghorn. Thedaughter of a European merchant and a Hawaiian princess, Kaiulani was a directheir to the Kalakaua dynasty, and third in line for the Hawaiian throne. In herdiary, she details her lavish wardrobe, her pet peacocks, and her unusualfriendship with the shy, sweet writer Robert Louis Stevenson. When she leavesher beloved islands to attend boarding school in 1889, Kaiulani makes the bestof it, noting: "I go off not for myself, but for all of the Hawaiians I willsomeday lead." Sadly, that was never to be. While Kaiulani was overseas, theHawaiian monarchy was overthrown by American Reformers, mostly businessmeninterested in cashing in on Hawaii's sugarcane and teak industries. Kaiulaniimmediately left Europe to plead her country's case to President Cleveland andother American dignitaries. But her efforts were in vain--Hawaii was annexed tothe United States by 1898. Kaiulani died a year later at the age of 23, manybelieve of a broken heart. This tragic chapter in American history is relativelyunknown, and while the origins of Hawaii's statehood will no doubt intrigue manyyoung readers, it is Kaiulani's determined and hopeful voice that will stay withthem long after the last page is turned. Emerson White concludes the diary withan epilogue, historical notes, a diagram of the Kalakaua family tree, six pagesof photographs, and a glossary of Hawaiian words. (Ages 9 to 14) Read more

Reviews (41)

Great Book!
A friend and I traveled for the first time to Hawaii a couple of months ago and heard a little bit about Kaiulani. A statue of her and her peacock was outside our hotel.The family tree was a great reference along with the definitions of the Hawaiian words used in the diary.Loved the pictures, too.The story is sad; but, the history of the monarchy is fascinating.

Very cool
I found this book to be very intersting and sad. I have never really learned much about Hawaii, so when I saw this book I thought why not? I enjoyed reading about a nation that was taken over. I felt the princess pain and happeness. I think that every girl should read this book. I think that we should all have the kind of brave attutide the Kaiulani had. A great book to do a report on.

Hawaii's last princess writes in her diary..........................
Kaiulani Cleghorn, is a Hawaiin princess.Her father is English and her mother Hawaiin.Her mother was a late queen, who died when Kaiulani was very young, so Kaiulani only knows the last words her mother told her.They are: Kaiulani, you will never become queen.Kaiulani, loves wearing pink and meeting foreign people.So before she leaves for school in England, Kaiulani makes friends with a famous author: Robert Louis Stevinson.Kaiulani must then leave to England with her best friend and personal company, Annie.But when Hawaii's king sadly dies, Kaiulani's Aunt Lydia will become the next queen.With American's fighting over Hawaii with the traditional island Hawaiins, Kaiulani makes speeches all around England and America to inform the unity and independance of her country.I loved this wonderful diary, though I was relieved when I finished it.It is a little too modern a diary, but is definitely on my must-read list for fans of this wonderful series. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1875-1899    2. Biographical - United States    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Diaries    6. Fiction    7. Historical - General    8. Historical - United States - 19th Century    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Juvenile Historical Fiction    11. Kaiulani,    12. Princess of Hawaii,    13. Princesses    14. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    15. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / General    16. Kaiulani   

Reviews (7)

Great end to a wonderful series
Another great installment of the Royal Diaries series. Sophietravels from her beloved home to Russia with her mother. In a beautiful but foreign country stuck between her ambitious and harsh mother and the strong, powerful Empress she's torn between the two. The idea of marrying Peter, who's an idiot isn't exactly her dream but the allure of weatlh and power is strong...you get a very good look at a woman who became Empress in her own right after overthrowing her husband...A excellent story. The descriptions are wonderful.

The best Royal Dairy Book ever!
All I can say to describe this book is wow!!! It was sooo intresting and kept me reading until when I was at the end. This book was so good, heck my mom even read it in one night unable to take her eyes of it! I even recomended my friends to read it and they loved it.
A Finale to the Royal Diary series.
Sophie is a 14 year old princess and lives her simple life in Zerbst, Prussia. She is constantly under the burdern of her abusive mother who not only damages her emotionally but physically too. Sophie's father doesn't carry royal blood and her desperate mother is a princess from a small royal family. Sophie's damaged personality is torn adn torn each day as her mother insults her and continuously presses her to marry princes so that her family will be related to 'real' royalty.
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Subjects:  1. 1728-1762    2. Biographical - European    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Diaries    7. Emperor of Russia,    8. Fiction    9. Historical - Europe    10. III,    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Juvenile Historical Fiction    13. Kings, queens, rulers, etc.    14. Peter    15. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    16. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Europe   

Reviews (56)

Isabel, Jewel of Castilla
This book is about a young girl named Isabel. Isabel is the future queen of Spain. She lives a well life, but it is full of sadness at times. Her brother, King Enrique, has forced her to stay at a castle in Segovia away from her widowed mother.She cannot leave without his consent. She has a very hard time trying to be faithful to both her brothers. She despises King Enrique, but tolerates him because secretly she is trying to overthrow him and put her other brother, King Alfonso, in charge of all of Spain.
The diary of this brilliant spanish queen
I loved Isabele and found it interesting all the way.Isabel is brought up in a time when women must marry whoever is chosen for them, but Isabelle wants to marry her true love and have a happy life. She is also pretty scared of her brother and lets him take over her. Most bits of this diary are quite sad and i loved the way Isabele only announces her true character in the end. When I sabel loses three beloved ones she meets the prince of her dreams and wants to marry him instantly. She also wants to become the Queen of Spain and live in luxury with her husband. The diary of this lady knight who will fight for her freedom is tragic but in the end something rather pleasant occurs. Im not going to tell you! You read the book and see! I will give this book an a+ and is definitely one of the top 5 royal diaries. A pure classic

Not bad
This book wasn't bad, but seemed to lack any serious plot.Isabel is forced to live in Segovia, a place that she finds tedious and dull.She is constantly being offered to various princes she should and shouldn't marry, she has a general dislike for her brother, the King, and her sister-in-law, whom on several occasions Isabel herself witnessed being unfaithful.Good as far as her thoughts go, such as being trapped in at Segovia, and not a bad read, despite the story lacking any serious plot. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1451-1504    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Diaries    5. Fiction    6. Historical - Europe    7. Isabella    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Juvenile Historical Fiction    10. Kings, queens, rulers, etc.    11. Queen of Spain,    12. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    13. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / General   

Editorial Review

Being a princess is not all glittery parties and lavish holidays by the sea. Well, actually, it is, but it's not all fun. Young Princess Victoria is constantly surrounded by family and advisors, allowing her no privacy and very few opportunities to express herself until she purloins an old ledger book from one of Kensington Palace's stables. She promptly begins recording her secrets, daily trials, and naughty witticisms (her uncle, King George IV, has big, plump hands, "the size of a plucked quail.") in this very incongruous journal. The biggest secret of all, however, is one that is kept from our heroine. It is not until well into her two-year-long diary that Victoria pieces together her family tree to discover that she is next in line to the throne. This intriguing installment of the Royal Diaries series will inspire many readers to delve deeper into Queen Victoria's life as the longest reigning queen of England. Author Anna Kirwan's fictionalized account is entertaining and enlightening, packed with facts about royal customs in the early 19th century. Historical notes, a family tree, and photos provide more factual information for the curious reader. (Ages 9 to 12) Read more

Reviews (40)

A little confusing
I'm having a hard time getting through this book. Victoria writes in very hyper, energetic way, and it's hard to keep up with her. Also, all of her nicknames make it difficult to keep up with who is who and who is related to who. I just don't like it as much as I liked the Cleopatra diary.

Another great Royal Diary book!
Anna Kirwan, tried very hard to complete this book and i found it another moving and wonderful addition to this great series!Victoria is in a time where there is no freedom for her and her people.Her mother is under the power of a roudy captain, and she is constantly being bossed around by her daughter!Victoria tries to comfort herself by luxurious and exotic holidays, but her life is a mess, especially when she spots her mother being severely abused by the evil captain.
A dull princess
Victoria's diary is dull and boring book. Anna Kirwan's future queen of Wales is whiny and sounds like she is 70. This book is about studies and The catain an advier to the mother.Anna Kirwan's other book Flower of Baccle is also a flop. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1819-1901    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Historical    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Diaries    5. Fiction    6. Great Britain    7. Historical - Europe    8. Historical - General    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Juvenile Historical Fiction    11. Princesses    12. Queen of Great Britain,    13. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    14. Victoria,    15. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / General    16. Victoria   

Reviews (20)

Kristina: the girl King
I think that this was the best one out of all of the Royal Diary seris. I seriously could not put it down when I had too.
A Teen's Point of View
This book was interesting and well written, but not very believable. You couldn't really believe that a girl was actually writing it. It is good, though, and I recommend it.

Kristina, who always wanted to be a boy, writes in her diary.............
Carolyn Mayer, has nicely put up the picture of a girl who wants to be King of her country, not Queen!Kristina, is under her beloved aunt's care, due to her original mother's bad care, and mistreatment she had set upon Kristina.Kristina, was meant to be a boy, was thought to be a boy, until, her aunt took her naked and showed her parents her true gender.Due to this, Kristina's mother decided to make poor Kristina's life a misery,even though her father rejoiced and nicknamed her the girl king!
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Diaries    4. Fiction    5. Historical - Europe    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Juvenile Historical Fiction    8. Kings and rulers    9. Kings, queens, rulers, etc.    10. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    11. English    12. English language    13. English literature: fiction texts    14. Europe    15. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / General    16. Language readers   

Editorial Review

In 1595, Nzingha is the strong, intelligent daughter of the Ngola(leader) of the Mbundu people of Ndongo (in modern-day Angola), loyal to herpeople and willing to fight for them. Unfo