Nzingha: Warrior Queen of Matamba, Angola, Africa, 1595 [Hardcover]

Patricia McKissack (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

Presents the diary of thirteen-year-old Nzingha, a sixteenth-century West African princess who loves to hunt and hopes to lead her kingdom one day against the invasion of the Portuguese slave traders.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In 1595, Nzingha is the strong, intelligent daughter of the Ngola (leader) of the Mbundu people of Ndongo (in modern-day Angola), loyal to her people and willing to fight for them. Unfortunately, because she is a girl, her brother is the favored child, in training to become the next Ngola, even though he is whiny, stupid, and slow (according to Nzingha). But Ajala, a respected seer, believes that Nzingha is destined to be the leader of Ndongo, and begins preparing her for this future. Nzingha's father fights to keep the Portuguese from taking over their homeland, yet it is Nzingha, ultimately, who acts as the go-between for her people and the Portuguese, negotiating acceptable relations in order to keep peace and power for the Mbundu.

Based on true historical events, places, people, and customs, this novel portrays the fascinating details of a remarkable young woman's strength and courage in defending her world against subterfuge, spies, and the onslaught of the Portuguese. Historical notes, photos, illustrations, maps, the Ngola family tree, and a glossary and pronunciation guide are included for a comprehensive understanding of a complex era. Patricia McKissack is the well-respected and award-winning author of over 100 children's books and historical novels, including the Newbery Honor book The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural and Color Me Dark: The Diary of Nellie Lee Love (from the Dear America series). (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-Nzingha, an Angolan princess in the 16th and 17th centuries, was born in a land in which women were predestined to be subservient to men's whims. Nzingha, however, broke that rule and, following her father's footsteps, became a leader after his death. Through fictionalized diary entries, readers learn that Queen Nzingha is knowledgeable, intelligent, and brave. She is opposed to Portuguese slavery and European ways of life, although she secretly learns the outsiders' language and uses it to her advantage. The diary format will appeal to readers and the author's use of time lines, seasons, and actual place names makes the story believable and interesting. While the ending is too abrupt, this is still a good addition to the series. The maps, photos, glossary, illustrations, and genealogical trees enhance the presentation.
Daniel Mungai, Queens Borough Public Library, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 136 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Inc.; First Printing edition (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439112109
• ISBN-13: 978-0439112109
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #360,870 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #14 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Historical Fiction > Africa

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why? What's Wrong with this Book...?, May 7, 2001

By 

"betsy-chan" (Washington, D.C., United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nzingha: Warrior Queen of Matamba, Angola, Africa, 1595 (Hardcover)

I'm confused by the other reviews. I adored this book--it fascinated me maybe more than the other Royal Diaries books. I learned much of the African vocabulary in this book and how harsh the Portugese were to slaves. This book told of Nzingha's ability to improvise... When she had no chair, she called a servant to make a chair with his body... Treachery, love, and fighting for rights make this book definetely worth a try.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty Good, February 16, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Nzingha: Warrior Queen of Matamba, Angola, Africa, 1595 (Hardcover)

I know alot of people think that this book was bad or too short, but I thought it was pretty good. It didn't go on forever, and besides, it wouldn't have much more plot to go on. i did learn alot of history in the fight for Africa, and thats all I cared about, not length. It was a good book to read, and I enjoyed it

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting for anyone in Angolan/African history, June 22, 2001

By 

Athena (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nzingha: Warrior Queen of Matamba, Angola, Africa, 1595 (Hardcover)

This book was not like many other of the Royal Diaries because Nzingha was not a well known royal nor was she European. This is one of the lesser known of the series but it worth a look for it's good historical references.

Nzingha's story is worth hearing, she was a powerful leader to her people and a formidable enemy against the Portugese. As with many of the other Royal Diaries, they portray the situations realistically such as the slavery the portugese enforced to the captives of Nzingha's people.

This is recommended for anyone interested in angolan and africain history. It paints a realistic picture of the times when the Europeans were ruthless for power through slavery. It demonstrates to younger readers an inspirational and courageous person such as Nzingha. I am glad I read this book, it was informational and I enjoyed learning about the history.