Check out the thoughtful review and an interview with me at The Book Cellar.
Archives for November 2010
NCTE – Mickey Mouse aside — the conference in Orlando was a blast!
Chronicle Books suggested that the National Council of Teachers of English would be a good conference for me to attend. It was so much fun to meet so many teachers and writers. Chronicle arranged two book signings, an kidlit author’s lunch and a fancy dinner with some delightful teachers. Next year I hope to be presenting!
Bookalicious gives Prisoners in the Palace 4 1/2 Stars
“Intrigue, plots, romance and witty characters will keep you on edge as you race through Victoria’s road to the throne.”
That’s what Bookalicious says about Prisoners in the Palace! Read it here.
Blogcritics.org calls Prisoners Phenomenal!
Lori at Blogcritics.org is one of the last stops on the blog tour — but last is not least ! Lori thinks Prisoners in the Palace is phenomenal. I think she’s prettty cool too! Check it out!
A Starred Review from School Library Journal!
*MACCOLL, Michaela. Prisoners in the Palace: How Victoria Became Queen with the Help of Her Maid, a Reporter, and a Scoundrel. 367p. CIP. Chronicle. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8118-7300-0. LC 2010008257.
Gr 7 Up–Through the eyes of her maid, readers get to know Princess Victoria during the year before she becomes queen. Down on her luck when the deaths of her parents leave her penniless and debt ridden, Liza finds employment at Kensington Palace. She quickly learns that Victoria is a virtual prisoner of her scheming mother and her mother’s lover, who seek to control the future queen through a regency. Liza initially thinks only of ways to gain favor and influence, and, ultimately, money, from Victoria, but she gradually comes to feel compassion for the lonely and ill-treated 17-year-old. The emotional growth of both young women is the heart of the story, and it unfolds naturally because of a riveting plot full of conspiracy, sexual abuse of servants, treachery, and a great love story. There are references to prostitution, abortion, apparent suicide, and murder, but they are not gratuitous. Liza’s riches-to-rags-to-almost-riches story and her development into a young woman of high moral purpose, and Victoria’s growth from a docile teen into a queen who would define an era, make this a great read.–Corinne Henning-Sachs, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME
What YA I’ve Just Read… Prisoners in the Palace
Jennifer Chen reviews Prisoners in the Palace on her blog. I love anybody who loves my Author’s Note! Check out her review.
YA Bookshelf — Next Stop!
Melissa does an incredibly thoughtful interview with me for YA Bookshelf — a terrific YA blog. Check it out.
Carrie’s Bookshelf induces me to reveal my FAVORITE character!
It felt like Sophie’s Choice — but I did it. Carrie’s Bookshelf has the post!
Galley Smith says Prisoners in the Palace is “wonderful”
Galley Smith writes that Prisoners in the Palace is “Part historical re-telling, part mystery and part romance Prisoners in the Palace is a wonderful mix of plot lines that will keep readers eagerly anticipating what happens next.”
Read the whole review.