At Her Majesty's Request: An African Princess in Victorian England

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.