Jingu: The Hidden Princess - Hardcover

Pray, Ralph; Li, Xiaojun

3.5

12 ratings by Goodreads

9781885008213: Jingu: The Hidden Princess

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 188500821X ISBN 13: 9781885008213

Publisher: Shens Books & Supplies, 2002

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To young Princess Jingu, the Japanese Imperial Palace in the 4th century is full of secrets. Why is she not allowed any visitors or friends when other children run and play together? Why is she the only princess with a private teacher from China? Her life within the palace walls is solitary and studious, and she has only her servants, teachers, and faithful cat Skoki to keep her company. But on Jingus 10th birthday, she receives a gift from the Emperor with a mysterious message hidden inside, and everything changes. Explore the fascinating world of ancient Japan in this historically-based account of a young princess journey from girl to true leader. As her travels take her from a tiny fishing village to the grandeur of the Emperors chambers, Jingu must find out what, and who, is hidden beyond the paper walls of her home secretly guiding her future. Only then will she face her destiny and take her rightful place in the magnificent history of Japan.

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About the Author:

Dr. Ralph E. Pray is an engineer and author who owns an independent research laboratory in Los Angeles County to resolve problems in the mineral industry. He has taught engineering at the university level and has been writing for publication for forty-five years. He and his wife Bev raised their four children in Alaska, Chicago, and Pasadena, and they now live in Monrovia, California. This is Ralph’s first book for children.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4-6-This fictionalized biography follows Princess Jingu's royal life from age 10 in A.D. 347 until her teen years when she is betrothed to the next Emperor of Japan. During these years she is hidden away, spending most of her time with her beloved Chinese tutor and her maid, rarely seeing her aloof parents. A new world of friendship and love opens for her when she meets Ichiro through a hole in the fence. Even as she asks questions of the outside world and grows excited about her future, she knows that her first obligation is to fulfill her role as a leader. Jingu was an interesting and powerful ruler in ancient Japan, but this book falls short as a representation of her life. Young readers enticed by the slim size and numerous black-and-white line drawings will not find enough plot to continue to the end. Older readers who might show an interest in the time period will be disappointed in the lack of details, finding the book more like a skeleton of a story rather than a finished tale. The historical note in the back indicates the author researched his subject, but he has not presented the material in an engaging style.
Nancy A. Gifford, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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