Kaiulani: The People's Princess, Hawaii, 1889 - Hardcover

White, Ellen Emerson

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0439129095 ISBN 13: 9780439129091

Publisher: Scholastic Inc., 2001

Synopsis

After being forcibly annexed by the U.S., the Hawaiian people turn to the young Princess Kaiulani in the hopes that their toppled monarchy can be restored.

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Reviews

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, Inc.

Gr. 5-8. From the Royal Diary series, this purports to be written by Princess Kaiulani of Hawaii. The story begins in1889, when the 13-year-old princess learns that she will soon be leaving for England to complete her education. She records her pleasures in her home and her family, her joy at befriending Robert Louis Stevenson, and her anxiety about her journey. The diary continues over the next four years as she travels to England, studies and matures, then returns to America to plead the case for her country's independence to America's people and their president. White sticks close to the facts in this fictional account of Kaiulani's life. Readers who enjoy this "diary" may also want to read Sharon Linnea's Princess Kai'ulani: Hope of a Nation, Heart of a People (1998). Back matter includes an epilogue, a historical note, a family tree, a section of photos, and a glossary. A good, accessible addition to a popular series. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0439129095
• ISBN 13: 9780439129091
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 224