School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-This entry in the series covers four months in the life of Princess Redbird, a member of the royal family of the Hsien people. Decades before, China had invaded their land and now the Hsien live in an uneasy peace with the invaders. With an eye to the future of his people, Redbird's father sends the 16-year-old to a Chinese school to learn the language and the customs of the Chinese, and also to be a representative of her people. Once there she also learns the joy of reading while studying under Master Chen. Her schooling is interrupted when a neighboring tribe, the Dog Heads, begins attacks on both the Hsien and the Chinese. The attacks escalate and all Princess Redbird's knowledge is required to help set up an alliance between the two to defeat the invaders. Before the Hsien forces triumph, many are killed, including Master Chen and Redbird's father. She, however, has discovered a talent for diplomacy and the foresight and practicality to look ahead for the good of her people. Characters are well drawn, especially Redbird and Master Chen. Historical notes are appended describing China of the sixth century and the real Lady of Ch'iao Kuo (a title bestowed years later by the Chinese). This worthy addition to this series features a feisty heroine who must take on adult responsibilities too soon.-Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Between her tenth and twelfth birthdays, Victoria secretly recounts in her diary her daily activities and her dislike of a ôCertain Personö (Sir John Conway, her motherÆs controlling advisor). VictoriaÆs character is engaging, the villains detestable; an epilogue tells how she became queen at eighteen, dashing Sir ConwayÆs hopes of power. Black-and-white archival photos, a family tree, and list of characters are appended. From HORN BOOK Fall 2002, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Gr. 5-8. The life of a princess is not necessarily a lot of fun. Kirwan's rather plodding effort in the Royal Diaries series exemplifies that sentiment as it describes the childhood of the girl who became Queen Victoria. She has to hide her diary: her every thought, word, and action seem subject to scrutiny. A spirited and bright child, Victoria is aware of the political currents that swirl around her, but how close she is in royal succession to the throne is actually kept hidden from her. Covering Victoria's tenth and eleventh years, the diary speaks of meals and parties but also hardship, strictures, and Victoria's examinations, conducted by the bishops to see if she is sufficiently educated. Although photographs, a family tree, and some notes are included, it is impossible to tell what in this fictional diary is based on historical fact and what is made up. For collections where books in this series are in demand. --GraceAnne A. DeCandido
