- Hardcover: 240 pages
- Publisher: Scholastic Press (July 1 2000)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0439078059
- ISBN-13: 978-0439078054
- Product Dimensions: 18.5 x 13.2 x 2 cm
- Shipping Weight: 272 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (53 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
#244,604 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #15 in Books > Children's Books > Ages 9-12 > Series > Historical > The Royal Diaries
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Product Details |
Product Description
From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8-A flawed, fictionalized diary of teenaged Princess Isabel of Castilla (better known to Americans as Isabella, the queen who sponsored Columbus) that ends just before her marriage to Fernando II in 1469. It is a story of intrigue, as Isabel strives to remain on good terms with both her controlling half-brother, King Enrique, and her younger sibling, the rebel King Alfonso. It is also a tale of romance, as unwelcome matches for the princess are made and broken until she finally weds the man of her choice. Much detail is given of life in the mid-15th century. Appended historical notes include reproductions, a tiny and incomplete map of the Spanish states, and a condensed annotated family tree. A Spanish pronunciation guide and a list of characters (helpfully indicating which are fictitious) are also provided. Unfortunately, there are numerous errors in dating events and the tedious text is often just a recitation of activities. There is little insight into Isabel's personality; the few feelings that are expressed make her sound whiny and complaining, a totally inaccurate portrait. There is no depth to this storybook creation.
Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews
Bristling with palace intrigue, this entry in the Royal Diaries series tells the story of the pious, determined, soon-to-be Queen Isabel of Castilla during a volatile period in history. Known to American children as the royal who sponsored Christopher Columbuss journey to the New World, Isabel had a rocky adolescence. Ripped from her family and banished to Segovia by her half-brother, King Enrique of Castilla, Isabel endured a tedious life. The country was in turmoil; both Enrique and his half- brother Alfonso had claimed the crown. Although the rocky political terrain of what would later become part of Spain is touched upon in Isabels fictionalized diary, the book centers on her marriage prospectsEnrique arranged several matches for his half- sister, based largely on his need to secure power. Wishing to marry Fernando, Prince of Aragon and King of Sicily, Isabel took matters into her own hands, scheming royally until her dream became a reality in 1469. Although the writing is dull and sluggish in spots, Meyer (Mary, Bloody Mary, 1999, etc.) offers a multifaceted portrait of this complicated regal youngster and her tumultuous times, smoothly integrating the themesa passionate belief in Christianity and an interest in navigationthat was central to her reign. Followed by an excellent section of notes and biographical information, this book is sure to whet readers appetites for more. (historical notes, glossary of characters, pronunciation guide, family tree, archival drawings) (Historical fiction. 8-12)-- Copyright © 2000 Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Isabel, Spanish Queen of Discoveries,
By ravenclaw29 (Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Isabel: Jewel of Castilla - Spain, 1466 (The Royal Diaries) (Hardcover)
Isabel is trapped between bitter family feud. Both of her parents are dead, and she is in the middle of a silent battle occuring with her older brother, King Enrique, and her younger brother, Prince Alfonso. Alfonso wants to overthrow his brother Enrique from the Spanish throne, though Enrique is not willing to give it up. Who will Isabel side with? Enrique? Or Alfonso?Isabel does indeed secretly support her little brother Alfonso as king. Isabel wishes dearly for Enrique's reign of terror over her to stop immediately. But also, Isabel wishes with all the loving deepness in herheart that she could marry the handsome young Prince Hernando. It was love at first sight. But Enrique forbids the marriage. And now, can Isabel find a way to be with her one true love? Carolyn Meyer has done a fine job narrating the story of a Spanish princess would one day be Queen Isabel of Portugal, and, with King Fernando, would authorize Christopher Columbus to travel to the New World, thus founding America. Highly recommended!
2.0 out of 5 stars
boring,
By A Customer
This review is from: Isabel: Jewel of Castilla - Spain, 1466 (The Royal Diaries) (Hardcover)
When I first got this book, I was really excited because I love almost all of the Royal Diary books. Once I read this though, I was sorely disapointed. It was a very boring read which talked only about the people Isabel was going to marry and how she had to go to church everyday. I found myself skipping pages at a time and not missing anything important. The book could have been interesting but I think Carolyn Meyer did a poor job portraying the Spanish royalty culture. I wouldn't buy this book unless you wanted to have all the RD, because there's always the library to borrow it from.
3.0 out of 5 stars
A on and off book,
By A Customer
This review is from: Isabel: Jewel of Castilla - Spain, 1466 (The Royal Diaries) (Hardcover)
when I first saw this book I grabbed it because It looked cool. It was, but not at first because at first it was all "el scorpian is in love with el minio" or watever. Other then that I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!
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