Overview

Can a common girl save a prince trapped in the Tower of London? April. England. 1483. The king is dead. Long live the king. Nell Gould is the daughter of the royal butcher, a commoner, but she has been raised as the playmate of King Edward and Queen Elizabeth's royal children- Princess Cecily, Princess Bess, Prince Dickon, and Prince Ned, heir apparent and Nell's best and closest friend. They think alike, her and Ned, preferring books and jousts to finery and gossip and the sparkle of the court. But when King Edward dies, Prince Ned is imprisoned in the Tower of London by his scheming uncle, the evil Richard III--and Nell with him. Can they escape? Is Nell the key? Based on the real royal scandal of the Princes in the Tower, Daughter of the White Rose covers a shocking episode in medieval history that has captured the imagination for 530 years. A story of murder, betrayal, resilience, and growing up, this girl-led medieval middle-grade novel will make a perfect companion to Catherine, Called Birdy and The Mad Wolf's Daughter. A Mighty Girl Best Book of the Year A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!

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9780823452217

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Reviews

Characters both real and imaginary inhabit this multilayered, dramatic interpretation of royal intrigue. . . . A quick-paced foray into English history and one girl's self-discovery. -Kirkus Reviews In an accessible, uncluttered style, [Zahler] delicately balances historical fact with our own contemporary values. It's especially refreshing that Nell's literacy (rare, if not outright anachronistic, for a girl of her status) leads her to the works of medieval women writers for consolation and inspiration for her own future. -The Horn Book Zahler skillfully weaves historical facts and period rumors into a fabric richly embroidered with imaginative storytelling. Enjoyable fare for historical fiction fans. -Booklist Nell is a fiercely determined girl who faces loss and disappointment but is stronger for it. . . . Readers who love historical fiction featuring strong female characters and suspenseful court intrigue will enjoy this story that's perfect for fans of Karen Cushman, Tamora Pierce, and Diane Magras. -School Library Journal Zahler's plot twist will either delight or enrage historical fiction fans, depending on their tolerance for authorial liberty, but even eye-rollers will appreciate Zahler's handling of the claustrophobic setting and the characters' dwindling hope for reprieve. Author notes comment on historical secondary characters and research into the princes' death; a timeline anchoring plot to real history will also guide interested readers in their own investigations. -The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books This title would be good for those seeking examples of characters showing resilience and courage. Students interested in medieval or British history will enjoy this book. Readers who enjoy controversial historical topics may also find this worthy, as there is still some debate as to the true identity of the actual bodies found in the Tower of London. Discussion about that controversy might lead to interesting conversations. Teachers seeking examples of historical fiction based on well researched material will find this novel a good choice. -School Library Connection

Author Information

Diane Zahler is the author of many books for young readers, both fiction and nonfiction, including THE THIRTEENTH PRINCESS, PRINCESS OF THE WILD SWANS, and DAUGHTER OF THE WHITE ROSE. Her books have been Junior Library Guild Selections, Golden Sower Award Nominees, and Bank Street Best Books of the Year. A full-time writer, she lives in New York with her husband.

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