African Princess: The Amazing Lives of Africa's Royal Women

by Joyce Hansen, Laurie McGaw (Illustrator)

What was it like to live as a queen in ancient Egypt, or as an Amazon warrior in western Africa? African Princess tells the stories of six remarkable royal women and the eras in which they lived, from 1473 B.C. to the present. Some lived in great luxury; others lived in exile as freedom fighters. The rise of the slave trade and the arrival of European colonists unsettled the entire continent and forced rulers to find ways to govern and protect their kingdoms. Consequently, many of these royal women ruled in extremely difficult times, marked by palace intrigue, foreign invasion, and harrowing adventure.

Genres: History, Africa, Nonfiction, Biography, Childrens, Middle Grade, Historical

48 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2004

About the author

Joyce Hansen has been writing books and stories for children and young adults for over twenty years. Joyce was born and raised in New York City, the setting of her early contemporary novels. She grew up with two younger brothers and her parents in an extended family that included aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents, all living nearby in the Morrisania section of the Bronx.

Attending Bronx public schools, she graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1960. While working secretarial jobs during the day, Joyce attended Pace University in New York City at night, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree. She then began her teaching career in the New York City public schools and earned a Master of Arts degree from New York University. She also taught writing and literature at Empire State College (State University of New York).

Joyce’s first children’s book, The Gift-Giver, published in 1980, was inspired by her own Bronx childhood and by her students. She continued to teach and write until retiring from teaching in 1995. Joyce Hansen presently lives in South Carolina with her husband and writes full-time.

Reviews

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to my sterling public school education, my knowledge of any African history is pretty much "Ancient Egypt-->slave trade-->the Boer War(?)-->apartheid." In trying to fill these egregious gaps, I checked out this book among some other more general titles, and am SO glad I did. The women discussed are inspiring and interesting, with a narrative writing style that's more engaging than many informational books. The text was accessible despite my having zero historical context, while still piquing my interest to learn more.

[Kim Tyo-Dickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hansen revisits and brings to vibrant, awe-inspiring life six ground-breaking royal African women who led nations, fought wars, created new cities, and shaped the histories of their nations in innovative and courageous ways. Representing six different African regions, including Dahomey, Egypt, Ethiopia, Matamba, Toro, and Zaria, and stretching from c. 1497-1457 B.C. Egypt to present day Uganda, these princess' lives continue to shape the narratives of African sovereignty, diplomacy, and development through exploring the cultural heritage of the continent's riveting, gender-defying past. Crystal clear archival illustrations of historical objects and architectural landmarks are highlighted by culturally unique page borders framing each princess' story, and each chapter in this collective biography is introduced by new, full-color interpretative portraits by illustrator Laurie McGaw. A beautiful book beautifully produced that belongs on the bookshelves of every library's biography and/or African history collections. Sadly out of print as of this writing, there are still copies to be found via Amazon and other booksellers.

Interest level: All ages. A compelling read for independent readers ages 10 and up (G3-G6), Lexile 1010.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

African Princess is a beautiful resource of some of the most incredible African women who became legendary for their strength, wisdom, intentions, and greatness. I enjoyed learning the details of their lives, families, education, struggles, upbringing, and the countries they served.

Some of the extraordinary women broke with cultural norms and exceeded education expectations and fought in battles. Others sacrificed love and personal wishes to save their people. They knew the truth, that knowledge is power and we live better with compassion. They were loyal, intelligent, and well-cultured.

I am delighted by this little book of blessings, lessons, and information. The audiobook was well produced, and this compilation is a great collection for the young and old. Bravo!

[Shelley Alongi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So there really are Amazons. A man I worked with used to call me one because I did a lot of heavy lifting when I work for him. I was pretty good with those tables. This is an interesting book to start with because I don’t know a lot about African history so this is a great place to start. I bet the pictures beautiful. Nice job and some pretty complicated words for 3rd to 6th graders but there is always something to be said comprehension of vocab you Larry I like it.

[Remy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice illustrations and simple introduction to important African figures.

[Joanna Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent profiles of princesses in Africa. Lots of photos and information. We really liked this one.

[Taneka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the fact that it was a short read. Mainly because there is only one princess in the book from the 20th century. I would love to read one where they highlight current princesses of the continent.

[Krystal Esmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a host of wonderful information from this book even though I originally picked it up for a child. The illustrations were beautiful and brought the anecdotes to life all the more. I would read it again and I would recommend it to children and adults alike.

[Regina Ajiboye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book goes into great detail of a variety of queen in African the culture and the history behind it. The book also shows artifacts from the varies tribes and the importance of those pieces. This book is great for any young teen reader.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd never read about some of these people before.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starting with the Egyptian Princess Hatshepsut. I would guess this is more for the 5th grader reading level. A wonderful book about women as ambassadors, leaders and respected authorities.