Isabel: Jewel of Castilla, Spain, 1466 (The Royal Diaries) [Hardcover]

Carolyn Meyer (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Series: Royal Diaries

While waiting anxiously for others to choose a husband for her, Isabella, the future Queen of Spain, keeps a diary account of her life as a member of the royal family.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-A flawed, fictionalized diary of teenaged Princess Isabel of Castilla (better known to Americans as Isabella, the queen who sponsored Columbus) that ends just before her marriage to Fernando II in 1469. It is a story of intrigue, as Isabel strives to remain on good terms with both her controlling half-brother, King Enrique, and her younger sibling, the rebel King Alfonso. It is also a tale of romance, as unwelcome matches for the princess are made and broken until she finally weds the man of her choice. Much detail is given of life in the mid-15th century. Appended historical notes include reproductions, a tiny and incomplete map of the Spanish states, and a condensed annotated family tree. A Spanish pronunciation guide and a list of characters (helpfully indicating which are fictitious) are also provided. Unfortunately, there are numerous errors in dating events and the tedious text is often just a recitation of activities. There is little insight into Isabel's personality; the few feelings that are expressed make her sound whiny and complaining, a totally inaccurate portrait. There is no depth to this storybook creation.
Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Bristling with palace intrigue, this entry in the Royal Diaries series tells the story of the pious, determined, soon-to-be Queen Isabel of Castilla during a volatile period in history. Known to American children as the royal who sponsored Christopher Columbuss journey to the New World, Isabel had a rocky adolescence. Ripped from her family and banished to Segovia by her half-brother, King Enrique of Castilla, Isabel endured a tedious life. The country was in turmoil; both Enrique and his half- brother Alfonso had claimed the crown. Although the rocky political terrain of what would later become part of Spain is touched upon in Isabels fictionalized diary, the book centers on her marriage prospectsEnrique arranged several matches for his half- sister, based largely on his need to secure power. Wishing to marry Fernando, Prince of Aragon and King of Sicily, Isabel took matters into her own hands, scheming royally until her dream became a reality in 1469. Although the writing is dull and sluggish in spots, Meyer (Mary, Bloody Mary, 1999, etc.) offers a multifaceted portrait of this complicated regal youngster and her tumultuous times, smoothly integrating the themesa passionate belief in Christianity and an interest in navigationthat was central to her reign. Followed by an excellent section of notes and biographical information, this book is sure to whet readers appetites for more. (historical notes, glossary of characters, pronunciation guide, family tree, archival drawings) (Historical fiction. 8-12)-- Copyright © 2000 Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 202 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (July 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439078059
• ISBN-13: 978-0439078054
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (66 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #89,823 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #60 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Historical Fiction > Europe
  • #97 in Books > Children's Books > Travel & Cultures > Royalty

More About the Author

My first book, MISS PATCH'S LEARN-TO-SEW BOOK, published more than forty years ago, was intended to teach young girls how to knot thread, make a neat stitch, and sew simple items. The main character of my next book, CLEOPATRA CONFESSES, coming in June 2011, is a far cry from the roundish, gray-haired lady with a needle in her hand and spectacles on her nose. Since the thrill of seeing that first book in print, I've written over fifty more books, non-fiction and novels (most recently, historical fiction). In the process I've learned more about writing and a lot about history, a subject that was not my favorite when I was a young student but has become my passion--a passion I love to share with readers.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fictionalization of Queen Isabel of Spain's teenage years., June 9, 2000

By 

Rebecca Herman (USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Isabel: Jewel of Castilla, Spain, 1466 (The Royal Diaries) (Hardcover)

This fictional diary of Queen Isabel of Spain begins when she is a lonely fifteen-year-old princess, forced by her brother, King Enrique, to live away from her widowed mother. She plots to bring her other brother, Alfonso, to the throne, while thwarting her brother's attempts to arrange a marriage for her. She decides to take matters into her own hands and arrange a marraige that will bring her happiness and political prosperity. This was a wonderful book that brought Isabel to life, not just as a royal figure, but as a teenager with feelings and dreams. I highly reccomend this to historical fiction fans, especially if you enjoyed other books in the Royal Diaries series.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Greatest Book on Isabel of Spain, August 2, 2000

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Isabel: Jewel of Castilla, Spain, 1466 (The Royal Diaries) (Hardcover)

When I first picked up this book I thought, "How STUPID!" But when I started reading it, I realized, Hey, this isn't soo bad!

This story shows how young Isabel felt about the world around her, her main concerns were mainly frienship with one of her brothers, and lack of friendship with another. This book also explains how life was when diseases such as the plauge were common. The sad backround also talks about Isabel's mentally ill mother. (Who was not ALWAYS that way) And how Isabel felt about her life. When the Spanish princess is being backed into corners and forced marriages by her older brother, she must find a way to escape them, and the choicees she must make are severe risks.

In this book there are very sad parts and very happy ones.

Yes this is the Isabel that sent Christopher Comlumbus to the Americas. But the book doesn't go that far.

In Comparison to the Other Royal Diaries Books, this would probably be ranked second, under Cleopatra. Others you would probably like, if you like this book are: Cleopatra, Daughter of the Nile Elizabeth, the Red Rose of Tudor AND, Marie Antionette,Princess of Versailles

If you liked and of the other books in the Royal Diaries series, or even In Dear America, you'll love this book!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Possibly the best in the Royal Diaries series, March 11, 2001

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Isabel: Jewel of Castilla, Spain, 1466 (The Royal Diaries) (Hardcover)

This book is wonderful. It is about Queen Isabel when she was in her preteen-teen years. The country is divided... some people support Enrique (her older half brother) as king, but others support her younger brother, Alfonso as king. While there are fights and battles going on about this, her older brother is determined to marry Isabel off to Isabel's sister in law's brother. Isabel doesn't want to marry him at all, but she really has no choice. Through out the book she finds herself almost marrying at least four people. And then she finds herself in a difficult position... the heir to the throne.

At first I thought this was a boring book, but as I went on I loved it. I rate it second in the series.