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3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
Boo! I was excited to read historical fiction about people that are not white but this is really just a pathetic attempt. The story itself is a mere 90 pages, the rest is historical notes and photos.
My biggest issue is that the author just barely brushes up against the idea that the slavery the people of Angola practice is different than the chattel slavery of the Portuguese but this is never really explained, not even in the notes.
My biggest issue is that the author just barely brushes up against the idea that the slavery the people of Angola practice is different than the chattel slavery of the Portuguese but this is never really explained, not even in the notes.
Not impressed with the set-up of this book: the diary was interesting, but then it stops to become a traditional history book. Either/or would be a better choice.
adventurous
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The writing was bland, even for a children’s book. The actual history part after the story was very interesting. I did find the story interesting but it didn’t start getting good until there was only 20 pages left. I realize this is probably because of the lack of historical information we have on Nzingha and her people, which is unfortunate.
While this book gives us a good glimpse into African culture in 1595, it was far too short to tell the story it wanted to tell. I wanted more written about life at court and how the people feel about other clans being captured for slavery by the Portuguese.
I do have to state that those things I want might not be available via historical notes left behind. But I felt like I was just getting into it when it ended. I will say, maybe thanks to the shortness, there wasn’t as much waiting around and repetition as I found in the other three books I have read.
I do have to state that those things I want might not be available via historical notes left behind. But I felt like I was just getting into it when it ended. I will say, maybe thanks to the shortness, there wasn’t as much waiting around and repetition as I found in the other three books I have read.
Personally, I felt like this was one of the better, stronger books in the series. Pretty much all of this was new to me and I loved learning about Nzingha. She was a strong, fierce warrior and she should be more known and not forgotten. I'm so glad I got to read this book. I would recommend this to anyone, but it is obviously for younger readers. Still, 5 out of 5 stars.
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
This is a great book about a powerful, intelligent, strong leader! A hero ♥️
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I love how this story was told. And then at the end of the book, the historical note detailing what life was like and all the historical notes. Nzingha is an amazing character and her growth from just royal princess to her father's right hand was well done. Even though the book was extremely short, the writing from her POV expedited things and didn't make me feel like I missed out on anything. My favorite part is definitely the historical notes in the back of the book.
This gets at least one bonus star for being about such a badass woman in African history. There need to be more books like the ones in this series. That said, I don't think this would have gotten three stars from me if it hadn't been about the woman it's about. It lacked the complexity of world building and character that I really craved. And I felt like the action in the story fell a little flat. Nevertheless! Less picky readers might like it a lot.
This book introduces the reader to Queen Nzingha, but ends after her early life. I was expecting the diary entries to cover more of her later life which was the period when this queen accomplished most in her conflict with the Portuguese. Still, it is a useful introduction.
A week or so ago, I had this realization that I loved these books when I was younger. I remember keeping my copy on Marie Antoinette close and rather on display so everyone could see my beautiful princess book. There was total distress when pencil marks or dirt got on it in any way. (And the gold edges? I adored it all. Looking back, I was kinda obnoxious about the whole thing). So, when I visited my local library, I made sure to see if they had this series on hand. Ended up leaving with 3, and will probably get more next time.
So, this is first in the stack! We need more middle grade books about African historical figures, so I was really looking forward to this one. Nzingha is a new person for me, but I feel this story was too brief to serve any justice to her character. While it's clear she's very strong from a young age, what confuses me is how the book's supplemental material makes her sound like a staunch anti-slavery warrior queen. Slavery was very much a part of her culture and life, but what she disapproved of was the European's chattel slavery. In the text she makes the distinction that their slaves can be treated well. What the Portuguese proposed would drive every person into the ground, and make the child of a slave still a slave, which she did not approve of.
Certain events are handled too swiftly, with resolve almost a page or so after the thrill. Again, there's just not enough time spent with anything, with the story itself being about 100 pages. Valuable subject matter, to be sure, but could have been more developed.
Also with that being said, if there's ever an opportunity for this series to be revamped, I'd love to see an African writer building an African character. Research is great, but so is finding a person who lives the history.
So, this is first in the stack! We need more middle grade books about African historical figures, so I was really looking forward to this one. Nzingha is a new person for me, but I feel this story was too brief to serve any justice to her character. While it's clear she's very strong from a young age, what confuses me is how the book's supplemental material makes her sound like a staunch anti-slavery warrior queen. Slavery was very much a part of her culture and life, but what she disapproved of was the European's chattel slavery. In the text she makes the distinction that their slaves can be treated well. What the Portuguese proposed would drive every person into the ground, and make the child of a slave still a slave, which she did not approve of.
Certain events are handled too swiftly, with resolve almost a page or so after the thrill. Again, there's just not enough time spent with anything, with the story itself being about 100 pages. Valuable subject matter, to be sure, but could have been more developed.
Also with that being said, if there's ever an opportunity for this series to be revamped, I'd love to see an African writer building an African character. Research is great, but so is finding a person who lives the history.