Status
Available
Series
Collection
Publication
Scholastic Inc. (2001), 240 pages
Description
Follows the life of Victoria Kaiulani Cleghorn from 1889 to 1893 as she studies to be a better princess, even as Hawaii's monarchy, and her throne, are being undermined by American businessmen.
Local notes
School Library Journal, 05/31/2001
Gr 4-8-This fictional journal covers a period of four years in the short life of Princess Victoria Kaiulani of Hawaii. Beginning in 1889, the 13-year-old starts recording her thoughts before she is sent to school in England. As heir to the royal Hawaiian throne, she must learn the poise and composure befitting a future monarch, a role she takes very seriously. In the earlier years of the journal, the overall tone is lighthearted, but Kaiulani frequently alludes to the political difficulties confronting the monarchy, which is plagued by exploitative American business interests. As the problems mount, the diary entries become sparse and filled with the princess's personal worries, with mentions of her failing health. The quotidian writing style is often self-conscious and frivolous, maturing along with the teen. The easy-to-read diary format will appeal to young audiences. The epilogue and historical notes that follow are essential for understanding the historical context of the story. The final sections of the book have several pages of photos and a glossary of Hawaiian words that appear in the text. This book provides an effective way of spreading the story of a dignified and courageous young woman. While it is not as well written as some other titles in this series, it is still a worthy addition to collections carrying the "Royal Diaries."-Be Astengo, Alachua County Library, Gaines- ville, FL Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Gr 4-8-This fictional journal covers a period of four years in the short life of Princess Victoria Kaiulani of Hawaii. Beginning in 1889, the 13-year-old starts recording her thoughts before she is sent to school in England. As heir to the royal Hawaiian throne, she must learn the poise and composure befitting a future monarch, a role she takes very seriously. In the earlier years of the journal, the overall tone is lighthearted, but Kaiulani frequently alludes to the political difficulties confronting the monarchy, which is plagued by exploitative American business interests. As the problems mount, the diary entries become sparse and filled with the princess's personal worries, with mentions of her failing health. The quotidian writing style is often self-conscious and frivolous, maturing along with the teen. The easy-to-read diary format will appeal to young audiences. The epilogue and historical notes that follow are essential for understanding the historical context of the story. The final sections of the book have several pages of photos and a glossary of Hawaiian words that appear in the text. This book provides an effective way of spreading the story of a dignified and courageous young woman. While it is not as well written as some other titles in this series, it is still a worthy addition to collections carrying the "Royal Diaries."-Be Astengo, Alachua County Library, Gaines- ville, FL Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.