Eleanor: Crown Jewel of Aquitaine, France, 1136 (The Royal Diaries)
Grade 4-7-Eleanor's story begins in Poitiers, where she lives in a castle with her father, Duke William X of Aquitaine; her younger sister; and her grandmother. The 13-year-old's days are filled with lessons, court gossip and intrigue, and royal feasts. As a young lady approaching the marrying age, she and others are on the lookout for a suitable husband for her. Eleanor's diary is also the repository of some of the seamy details of life, including fleas in people's hair. When she marries the King of France's son, Louis the Younger, she goes to Paris to assume her new royal duties. With attention focused on the small details of life and her youthful dreams, Eleanor comes to life. At the same time, readers learn about this period and some of its inhabitants through her eyes. An epilogue, historical note, family tree, photographs, and glossary of characters round out the book. Fans of the series will devour this installment.Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OHCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.