Cecile: Gates of Gold (Girls of Many Lands)

Cecile has grown up in the country, educated by her father, a doctor, but has not had an easy time getting all she needs. When she gets a chance to go to court, she thinks it will be the chance of a lifetime. It is wonderful, and she learns a lot, but she also realizes that she needs to stand up

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for what she believes in, even if that means being kicked out like her father. She eventually discovers something even better than court to do with her life.

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Cecile is a young peasant living in the French countryside, but when she encounters a member of the nobility, she is swept off to serve at Versailles in the court of Louis XIV. During her time at Versailles, she struggles to understand the never-ending dance to remain in the King's favor, as well

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the complicated etiquette that was fashionable. She also learns that she may not be as poor and unconnected as she had originally thought.

RESPONSE: I really do have a soft spot for American Girl books, and "Cecile" is no exception. This book is full of historically accurate information about life in court and the tensions that arose, even while maintaining that the book is a work of fiction. This book features a protagonist strong enough to stand up for herself, which is fantastic and an inspiration for young girls.

THEMES/CONCEPTS: Versailles, French court etiquette, self-confidence, girl power, intrigue

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Great book! I read it just for an easy read, so I was surprised by how much depth there is. Punches aren't pulled at all (four characters die! One almost does!) while keeping things perfectly appropriate for a young reader. The main message is really that things aren't what they appear to be -

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everyone has secrets, people you think are mean can be reasonable if given the chance.
I wish they'd made a sequel! I would love to read more adventures about Cecile. It's a shame the company canceled this line.
Despite being an adult and this book being aimed more for 12 year olds, I really enjoyed it. It's quite a quick read (partly due to the font choice and size of the pages), and it doesn't feel dumbed down just because it's for pre-teens. It doesn't get graphic or inappropriate, but the overall message is pretty pleasantly mature (as I said, "things aren't always what they seem"). Definitely recommend.

The accompanying doll is pretty scary, though. I mean the dress for the doll is gorgeous, but the doll's face creeped me out. That doesn't affect my star rating, though.

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