Peter Vennema

Here is the youth version of Stacy Schiff's biography of Cleopatra, dispelling the myth that it was her beauty instead of her intelligence and personality, that were the vehicles for her dominance and successes. It is important for young women to know that beauty need not be the ultimate asset. The real story of Cleopatra is told here, not the Hollywood version. She was a woman of power and brilliance, a gifted political strategist, and one of the most enthralling figures in history. Thank you Diane Stanley, for making this story accessible to young people, and for telling them the truth.… (altro)

I have always heard stories from movies about Cleopatra. Many say she was the most beautiful woman that lived. I knew she was the queen of Egypt and that she was a great ruler. I feel like this book did not do her justice. I understand that not much is known about her life because records of her life were destroyed and stautes of her were destroyed but i would have liked to know more. What i did learn was that she married Julius Caesar and then married Mark Antony. Although her biography was not the best, I enjoyed the illustrations. They reflect Egyptian culture very well. I also have to mention the great job the illustrator did in drawing Cleo, Julius Caesar, and Mark Antony. I do wish there was more information on Cleo, the book would have been more enjoyable if it had more information on her.… (altro)

This biography of Queen Elizabeth is a very inspiring story! It could even be considered a book highlighting feminism! Queen Elizabeth waited very patiently for the throne. After her father had two daughters, he remarried in hopes to have a son who could be his heir to the throne. After his passing, along with the passing of her dreadful sister Mary, Elizabeth became queen. She sought to keep her kingdom away from France and Spain's control. At age 29, she was still unmarried and caught smallpox. Everyone feared that she would pass away and leave her country with so successor. Mary's cousin soon conspired against her with the king of France, Elizabeth's ex-brother-in-law. After finding that Mary had many other conspiring against the queen, she and all of the others were executed. After reigning for 45 years, Queen Elizabeth died at age 70, and Mary's son James VI took her place. She loved her people dearly.… (altro)