Monday, September 9, 2013

Queen Liliuokalani: Royal Prisoner (The Treasure Chest #6) by Ann Hood–OPTIONAL

Hood, Ann Queen Liliuokalani: Royal Prisoner (The Treasure Chest #6) 176 pgs. Grosset & Dunlap, 2013. $12.31.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.
Although the magic Treasure Chest is locked up, making time travel impossible –Maisie had previously hidden a crown from it. They decide to use it when they need a break from their divorced parents who are both seriously dating other people. The twins end up in 1800’s Hawaii where they meet the last queen and learn a valuable lesson about embracing change.
On all accounts, this should be a Librarians dream series, much like a Magic Tree House, but for a couple grades older. There are real life issues, magic, history and adventure. But this really didn't cut it for me. The relationship between the two siblings didn't feel authentic to me. The vocabulary was advanced at times, too much for elementary students. The part that was the worst for me was when the twins tell their Great-Uncle, the owner of the The Treasure Chest –whose health it directly affects, that they won’t stop trying to use it no matter what he says. This man is having to watch his partner die of old age, while the use of the Treasure Chest keeps his young. Snotty kids. 

ELEMENTARY – OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

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