Daughter of the White Rose

A Mighty Girl Best Book of the Year
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

“Interesting, engaging, and well-written…. Nell spends her childhood as a friend of the young prince, and then grows up quickly as a companion of an exiled king…. Well described.”—The Historical Novel Society

“Characters both real and imaginary inhabit this multilayered, dramatic interpretation of royal intrigue. . . . A quick-paced foray into English history and one girl’s self-discovery.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Zahler skillfully weaves historical facts and period rumors into a fabric richly embroidered with imaginative storytelling.” —Booklist 

“Nell is a fiercely determined girl who faces loss and disappointment but is stronger for it. . . . Readers who love historical fiction featuring strong female characters and suspenseful court intrigue will enjoy this story that’s perfect for fans of Karen Cushman, Tamora Pierce, and Diane Magras.” —School Library Journal

“In an accessible, uncluttered style, [Zahler] delicately balances historical fact with our own contemporary values. It’s especially refreshing that Nell’s literacy… leads her to the works of medieval women writers for consolation and inspiration for her own future.” —The Horn Book

“[Readers] will appreciate Zahler’s handling of the claustrophobic setting… A timeline anchoring plot to real history will also guide interested readers in their own investigations.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Nell’s first-person narration paints a clear picture of life in the late Middle Ages…. Fast-paced and exciting, Daughter of the White Rose brims with the promise of romance and the threat of violence without ever leaving middle-grade territory.  The author weaves fact and fiction into a seamless tapestry, so that readers unfamiliar with the true story won’t know what is real and what isn’t, until they read the helpful afterword, author’s note, and timeline…. Fans of historical fiction of similar time periods by Avi or Karen Cushman would enjoy it very much.”—Youth Services Book Review

“Good for those seeking examples of… resilience and courage.” —School Library Connection

“[Nell]’s smart and determined, and won’t allow herself to be pressed into a mold based on anyone else’s expectations for her…. Readers who liked CLIFTON CHASE AND THE ARROW OF LIGHT by Jaimie Engle should give this one a read.”—The Story Sanctuary

 

"Characters both real and imaginary inhabit this multilayered, dramatic interpretation of royal intrigue. . . . A quick-paced foray into English history and one girl’s self-discovery." —Kirkus Reviews   "In an accessible, uncluttered style, [Zahler] delicately balances historical fact with our own contemporary values. It’s especially refreshing that Nell’s literacy (rare, if not outright anachronistic, for a girl of her status) leads her to the works of medieval women writers for consolation and inspiration for her own future." —The Horn Book "Zahler skillfully weaves historical facts and period rumors into a fabric richly embroidered with imaginative storytelling. Enjoyable fare for historical fiction fans." —Booklist   "Nell is a fiercely determined girl who faces loss and disappointment but is stronger for it. . . . Readers who love historical fiction featuring strong female characters and suspenseful court intrigue will enjoy this story that’s perfect for fans of Karen Cushman, Tamora Pierce, and Diane Magras." —School Library Journal "Zahler’s plot twist will either delight or enrage historical fiction fans, depending on their tolerance for authorial liberty, but even eye-rollers will appreciate Zahler’s handling of the claustrophobic setting and the characters’ dwindling hope for reprieve. Author notes comment on historical secondary characters and research into the princes’ death; a timeline anchoring plot to real history will also guide interested readers in their own investigations." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books "This title would be good for those seeking examples of characters showing resilience and courage. Students interested in medieval or British history will enjoy this book. Readers who enjoy controversial historical topics may also find this worthy, as there is still some debate as to the true identity of the actual bodies found in the Tower of London. Discussion about that controversy might lead to interesting conversations. Teachers seeking examples of historical fiction based on well researched material will find this novel a good choice." —School Library Connection