Historical Fiction-Review2

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY
Stanley, Diane. 1994. CLEOPATRA. Ill. by Peter Vennema. New York: Morrow Junior Books. ISBN 0688104134

2.PLOT SUMMARY
This trade book is in the format of a bibliography about Cleopatra, who has been referred to as the Queen of Egypt. The retelling of her life begins at the time of her initial bestowment with the title of queen at the age of 18. At the age of twenty she married Julius Caesar who, according to the text, was one of the greatest conquerors of the time and a Roman emperor. Together they enjoyed the luxuries that come with greatness until Caesar’s assassination. Cleopatra then marries Mark Antony, a general of Rome who fought to win it over after Caesar’s death. They had 3 children together. Meanwhile Octavian, Caesar’s grandnephew intently rallied the people of Rome against Mark Antony for granting his wife Cleopatra part of Roman provinces. The people were outraged and eventually Octavian battled Cleopatra and Mark Antony who were defeated. Knowing that the end of her reign is near, Cleopatra builds her tomb and hides her jewelry while planning her own death. Mark Antony dies from his own sword in the hands of Cleopatra. Cleopatra then is found dead on her own golden throne without anyone knowing for sure what caused her death.

3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Author Diane Stanley has provided readers with a picture book biography that is most appropriate for young adult readers. The accurateness in the facts and details of the life of Cleopatra can only be verified thus far since not many original sources are existent. Diane Stanley includes a “Notes on Ancient Sources” section following the preface to make readers alert of this. The only actual quotes included in the text are derived from writings of Plutarch, who was a Greek historian as explained by the author. Caution is asked of the reader, however, since his writings could have derived from “gossip or legend” told by her enemies giving way to negative personal characteristics to represent. The author does include a Bibliography section for her sources.

The organization of the book is sequential following major life time accomplishments of Cleopatra as they are known. Prior to the text a double-page layout of a map depicts the Roman and Egyptian Provinces during the setting of this biography. There is inclusion of a key and captions to signal and explain major cities and territories where battles were fought or where Cleopatra made her home. The illustrations provided are realistic in style. The characters portrayed look like real people and they along with the other illustrations are large and colorful, generally encompassing about 2/3 of a double-page fold. The remaining space is reserved for the text which is highlighted against a wall of neutral looking mosaic tiles.

The life of Cleopatra is brought to life through clear writings that contained a mixture of narration to provide details and background along with quotes from Plutarch that endowed the text with some variance in structure. There is plenty of room for critical thinking through connection making as the plot and the characters involved develop. Moreover, the mere introductory word of caution about the existing sources available to date impels the reader to seek out further readings to compare and contrast or simply add to their understanding of the topic.

4.REVIEW (EXCERPTS)
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY- “This peerless author/artist team makes the captivating, ultimately tragic Cleopatra seem astoundingly real.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL- “In this lively, well-crafted biography, Stanley and Vennema brush the cobwebs from the popularly held portrait of Cleopatra to reveal a vital, warm, and politically adroit ruler.”

BOOKLIST-“Taken simply as a story, the book has a sumptuous setting, heroic characters, name recognition, high drama, and a tragic ending. An intriguing portrait.”

5.CONNECTIONS
-Other books by Diane Stanly:
JOAN OF ARC. ISBN 0064437485
LEONARDO DA VINCI. ISBN 0688161553
GOOD QUEEN BESS: THE STORY OF ELIZABETH I OF ENGLAND. ISBN 0688179614
MICHELANGELO. ISBN 0688150853
-Write a list of possible question for Cleopatra. Based on what we know about her, how would she answer these?
-Read as part of a unit on Egyptian Queens. Then participate on a web quest experience.