Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov (Queens and Princesses)
Kids who may have learned about the Grand Duchess Anastasia from the animated movie will get a more accurate version of her life here. This slim entry in the Queens and Princesses series does its best to set the story of the Russian royal family against the simmering world affairs of the time, though many readers may not quite understand why Czar Nicholas II left the throne. That said, this attractive offering, with plenty of oversize, full-page photographs, will give them a glimpse of what life was like for Anastasia, both the glitter and glamour of the imperial Romanov household, as well as in the more familar aspects of family life: interacting with siblings, studying, and sewing. The photos, depicting both sides of Anastasia’s life, are set against textured pages and are particularly well reproduced, making it likely readers will linger. This book could be used as a gateway to others covering different aspects of world history. Glossary and ideas for other information are appended. Grades 4-6. --Ilene Cooper