
Reach for this book when your child feels like a 'fish out of water' or is struggling to reconcile two different parts of their identity. This moving biography follows the life of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, an Egbado princess who was orphaned during a war and eventually became the goddaughter of Queen Victoria. It explores deep themes of resilience, the complexity of belonging, and the strength it takes to maintain one's dignity in a society that views you as an outsider. Written for middle-schoolers, this book uses primary sources like letters and photographs to bring history to life. It is an excellent choice for parents wanting to discuss cultural heritage, the impact of colonialism, or the reality of foster-like relationships in high-pressure environments. Ultimately, it is a story of a young woman who navigated a world she never asked to enter with incredible grace.
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Sign in to write a reviewThemes of orphanhood, displacement, and the loss of original cultural identity.
Description of village raids and the execution of the protagonist's family.
The book deals directly with the trauma of war, the execution of Sarah's family, and the realities of the slave trade. The approach is historical and factual rather than sensationalist. The resolution is realistic: Sarah finds a level of personal happiness and agency, but the underlying tensions of colonialism and her status as a 'protégé' remain.
A thoughtful 12-year-old who enjoys history. This is for the student who asks deep questions about why the world looks the way it does today.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the dehumanizing concept of 'human gifts,' where people are treated as property, and the paternalistic nature of Victorian charity. The opening chapters describe the massacre of Sarah's village, which may require some emotional scaffolding. A parent might notice their child expressing frustration that history books only focus on one type of person, or questioning the fairness of historical power dynamics.
Younger readers (10) will focus on the 'princess' aspect and the adventure of travel. Older readers (13-14) will grasp the nuances of the political subtext and the racial dynamics of the Victorian era, as well as the emotional weight of Sarah's displacement. Younger readers will still understand the basic unfairness of Sarah's situation.
Unlike many historical biographies for children, Walter Dean Myers uses actual archival documents and photographs, making the history feel visceral and undeniable rather than like a legend. """
The book chronicles the life of Omo'ba Aina, later Sarah Forbes Bonetta, starting from her capture during a Dahomeyan raid in 1848. Saved by Captain Frederick Forbes as a 'gift' for Queen Victoria, Sarah is transported to England. The narrative follows her education, her complex relationship with the British monarchy, her temporary move to Sierra Leone for her health, and her eventual marriage to James Pinson Labulo Davies. It is a meticulous reconstruction of a life caught between two continents.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.