Both of these wonderful new books by Pauline Francis are available now!  Read on to see the reviews and an excerpt of each book.  Both books are for young adults (and parents/teachers) 14 years and up. 

Raven Queen - Winner of the Highland Children’s Book Award 2008 and shortlisted for the 2008 Leeds Book Awards 2008.  This book is a mesmerizing tale of love and treachery based on the life of Lady Jane Gray.  This book reveals the treachery, power struggles, and religious turmoil of the Tudor Court.  #527556 $5.99 paperback, 243 pages

Book Excerpt:

“I have lived the life of a princess since the day I was born. But it did
not bring me what I wanted. I am still trapped. My beloved Ned
speaks of love, freedom, a future. To walk with him in the forest,
our raven soaring above us, is my only joy. But my father plans
that I shall be betrothed to the King and I am afraid. Queens of
England have a habit of dying. I have no desire to take the throne,
no wish to find myself in the Tower of London. Wife, Queen – I fear
it will bring me to my knees.”

A World Away is a story written in first person from two perspectives – a teen Indian girl and a teen English blacksmith boy who falls in love with her.  Written for teens 14 and up it is thoroughly researched and deals with young love, death and historical events.  You will be drawn into the story and have a very difficult time putting the book down.  317 pages

Book excerpt:

“Plymouth 1586. I am afraid. These pale-skinned men have killed
my mother and betrayed my people. Now they have brought me
to a place they call England where they want to display me in front
of their ‘Virgin Queen’. My name is Nadie, but some call me ‘savage’.
I find it hard to endure their taunts, stares and insults. I do not want
to live in this grey, inhospitable land. And yet there is one boy,
Tom, whose blacksmith’s dark skin matches my own. When he looks at me
the fire of love burns in my heart. I feel I could find happiness with
Tom – but can his love for me survive in my world, with my people?”

These books would be ideal for book reports, studies on human behavior, history and it’s affects on populations.