Sterling Biographies: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen [Hardcover]

Susan Blackaby (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Sterling Biographies

At once daring, clever, smart, rich, determined and rash, Cleopatra is one of history's most fascinating figures. Here, children will find out all about: the Ptolemy Dynasty into which she was born, its traditions and infighting; the role of women in ancient Egypt; how she ascended to and maintained her place on, the throne; her relationships with both Caesar and Mark Antony and the political repercussions of these affairs within the Roman Empire and Egypt; and, her death in Alexandria and much more, all beautifully illustrated.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5–8—Villainess or goddess, a great queen or a selfish and overly ambitious woman—readers get to decide. They will be drawn into this biography by a description of a legendary magnificent banquet given by Mark Antony for Cleopatra. The lively narrative maintains interest from her birth in 69 BCE to her death in 31 BCE. Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy XIII became rulers of Egypt in 51 BCE. Her reign, however, was characterized by conspiracy and intrigue. Her alliance with Julius Caesar solidified her position as queen but brought ill feelings toward her from the Romans. The birth of their son, Caesarion, angered the Romans further. Again, either for expediency or love, Cleopatra found her next ally in Mark Antony. As before, this union had disastrous results. Embroiled in a civil war, Mark Antony faced opposition from his own people and from Rome's allies. The struggle ended with his suicide and Cleopatra's in 31 BCE. Sidebars, color photographs, and reproductions appear throughout. As the author states, "A record of Cleopatra's reign written during her lifetime does not exist…. If her role had not been so important to Rome…we would not know anything about her at all." This book leaves readers fascinated and eager to learn more about her time in history.—Lana Miles, Jackson Elementary School, Rosenberg, TX
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About the Author

Susan Blackaby earned a degree in Western Civilization from the University of California at Santa Cruz. She has worked in educational publishing for over 25 years and has written dozens of fiction and nonfiction titles. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (February 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402765401
• ISBN-13: 978-1402765407
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #959,165 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Seventh Grader's Review, August 25, 2010

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Sterling Biographies: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen (Paperback)

I was introduced to this great biography by my mother as part of my ancient Rome history curriculum. I already knew of the power struggle in ancient Rome at the time, but this book taught me on an even deeper level of life in the ancient world. The book very well illustrates the ancient world's priorities and values. It also taught of Roman politics, government, and ancient warfare. The story tells of Cleopatra's colorful reign and love affairs during her lifetime. At the end of the story, you are left to decide whether or not Cleopatra was a patriotic advocate for her country, or a power hungry tyrant.
This is the type of well written book that one never grows out of. The writing is rich and dense, yet at a simple enough reading level that a fourth grade child could read and understand the concepts. This was a very enjoyable book that taught me about one of the most fascinating and influential women of all time. I give it five stars.