Daughter of the White Rose

Characters both real and imaginary inhabit this multilayered, dramatic interpretation of royal intrigue. . . . A quick-paced foray into English history and one girl's self-discovery. 

Zahler skillfully weaves historical facts and period rumors into a fabric richly embroidered with imaginative storytelling. Enjoyable fare for historical fiction fans.

Gr 4-6--Twelve-year-old Nell Gould narrates this engrossing medieval tale that reimagines the fate of royal princes Edward "Ned" and Richard "Dickon," imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1483 by their ruthless uncle Richard III. Nell's father is a butcher for the royal family, and Nell grows up happily playing with the royal children. Nell's mother dies after giving birth to Nell's brother Toby, born the same day as the Queen's son Richard. Nell's life changes when nine-year-old Ned goes away to learn his kingly duties and Nell realizes the princesses have outgrown her. Since she's a commoner and can never marry Ned, Nell wants to become educated. Her father hires a printer to teach her to read and write English, and young Jacob, a printer's inker, offers to teach her Latin. Edward IV dies and Ned becomes king at age 12. When ambitious Richard imprisons Ned and Dickon in the Tower, Nell must figure out how to save them. The story starts a little slowly but picks up steam and intensity toward the end. Nell is a fiercely determined girl who faces loss and disappointment but is stronger for it. She's empowered to learn to read and write and even imagines she might become a writer one day. An author's note provides additional information about the real royal princes. All characters present as white. VERDICT Readers who love historical fiction featuring strong female characters and suspenseful court intrigue will enjoy this story that's perfect for fans of Karen Cushman, Tamora Pierce, and Diane Magras.--Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Lib., Trenton

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Zahler's plot twist will either delight or enrage historical fiction fans, depending on their tolerance for authorial liberty, but even eye-rollers will appreciate Zahler's handling of the claustrophobic setting and the characters' dwindling hope for reprieve. Author notes comment on historical secondary characters and research into the princes' death; a timeline anchoring plot to real history will also guide interested readers in their own investigations. —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

This title would be good for those seeking examples of characters showing resilience and courage. Students interested in medieval or British history will enjoy this book. Readers who enjoy controversial historical topics may also find this worthy, as there is still some debate as to the true identity of the actual bodies found in the Tower of London. Discussion about that controversy might lead to interesting conversations. Teachers seeking examples of historical fiction based on well researched material will find this novel a good choice. —School Library Connection