Nzingha: Warrior Queen of Matamba, Angola, Africa, 1595 (The Royal Diaries)
1 journaler for this copy...
Rec''d via Bookmooch.
I''ve never heard of this particular entry in The Royal Diaries.
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Amazon.com
In 1595, Nzingha is the strong, intelligent daughter of the Ngola (leader) of the Mbundu people of Ndongo (in modern-day Angola), loyal to her people and willing to fight for them. Unfortunately, because she is a girl, her brother is the favored child, in training to become the next Ngola, even though he is whiny, stupid, and slow (according to Nzingha). But Ajala, a respected seer, believes that Nzingha is destined to be the leader of Ndongo, and begins preparing her for this future. Nzingha''s father fights to keep the Portuguese from taking over their homeland, yet it is Nzingha, ultimately, who acts as the go-between for her people and the Portuguese, negotiating acceptable relations in order to keep peace and power for the Mbundu.
Based on true historical events, places, people, and customs, this novel portrays the fascinating details of a remarkable young woman''s strength and courage in defending her world against subterfuge, spies, and the onslaught of the Portuguese. Historical notes, photos, illustrations, maps, the Ngola family tree, and a glossary and pronunciation guide are included for a comprehensive understanding of a complex era. Patricia McKissack is the well-respected and award-winning author of over 100 children''s books and historical novels, including the Newbery Honor book The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural and Color Me Dark: The Diary of Nellie Lee Love (from the Dear America series). (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter
I''ve never heard of this particular entry in The Royal Diaries.
--
Amazon.com
In 1595, Nzingha is the strong, intelligent daughter of the Ngola (leader) of the Mbundu people of Ndongo (in modern-day Angola), loyal to her people and willing to fight for them. Unfortunately, because she is a girl, her brother is the favored child, in training to become the next Ngola, even though he is whiny, stupid, and slow (according to Nzingha). But Ajala, a respected seer, believes that Nzingha is destined to be the leader of Ndongo, and begins preparing her for this future. Nzingha''s father fights to keep the Portuguese from taking over their homeland, yet it is Nzingha, ultimately, who acts as the go-between for her people and the Portuguese, negotiating acceptable relations in order to keep peace and power for the Mbundu.
Based on true historical events, places, people, and customs, this novel portrays the fascinating details of a remarkable young woman''s strength and courage in defending her world against subterfuge, spies, and the onslaught of the Portuguese. Historical notes, photos, illustrations, maps, the Ngola family tree, and a glossary and pronunciation guide are included for a comprehensive understanding of a complex era. Patricia McKissack is the well-respected and award-winning author of over 100 children''s books and historical novels, including the Newbery Honor book The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural and Color Me Dark: The Diary of Nellie Lee Love (from the Dear America series). (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter
This is probably the shortest book in the series, so I was able to read the whole thing in a single bath.
This is a really good entry for the series. It introduces Nzingha so that the reader gets to know a bit about her, and develops her character well, but then the book leaves you wanting more, so that hopefully the child reader will go out and research this queen even more.
One is tempted to think that the court intrigues of the European monarchies wouldn't appear so much in "foreign" monarchies, but the Ndongo rulers had to face the inner competitions of a harem (Nzingha's father had over twenty wives) betrayal of valued advisors to the Portuguese, and constant warfare and alliance-making with other tribes. It's every bit as complex as any other government system.
This is a really good entry for the series. It introduces Nzingha so that the reader gets to know a bit about her, and develops her character well, but then the book leaves you wanting more, so that hopefully the child reader will go out and research this queen even more.
One is tempted to think that the court intrigues of the European monarchies wouldn't appear so much in "foreign" monarchies, but the Ndongo rulers had to face the inner competitions of a harem (Nzingha's father had over twenty wives) betrayal of valued advisors to the Portuguese, and constant warfare and alliance-making with other tribes. It's every bit as complex as any other government system.
