The Book of Queens by Stephanie Warren Drimmer - ADVISABLE

The Book of Queens by Stephanie Warren Drimmer, 176 pages. NON-FICTION. National Geographic Kids, 2019. $15.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

With the subtitle “Legendary Leaders, Fierce Females, and Wonder Women Who Ruled the World”, this browsable nonfiction volume introduces readers to leaders and innovators from throughout history and around the world. The featured individuals are grouped into eight chapters: Empire Builders, Women of Action, Revolutionary Rulers, Culture Shapers, Monarchs of the Arts, Legendary Leaders, Queens of Knowledge, and Queens of Adventure. The individual entries range from single paragraphs to double-page spreads, each including at least one illustration. A few entries focus on objects possessed by the powerful, such as crowns and other power tools.

The range of individuals included in this book is wide, though current leaders are notably absent. The 5-page index is adequately thorough; however, there is no timeline. Since the entries are organized by categories, you jump around in time quite a bit. Kids who enjoy browsing through world records and almanac will find this an interesting addition, and educational. Be aware, however, that most entries are too brief to be much help in research. There is a companion book, The Book of Kings, which is similar in look and organization, but may not be as necessary to round out your school collection as this one.

P.K. Foster, MLS, school librarian