Cleopatra: The Girl Who Would Be King (Heroes in the Ancient World #1) (Jackie French, Angus & Robertson)

Bestselling author and historian Jackie French (Tigg and the Bandicoot Bushranger) tackles the question of what the Egyptian pharaoh Cleopatra was up to during her tween years in Cleopatra: The Girl Who Would Be King, the first book in the Heroes in the Ancient World series. In this delightful romp through antiquity, we follow Cleopatra as she schemes her way back to power while learning what it takes to be a leader. The story is set in 59 BCE and is inspired by Cleopatra’s childhood exile in Rome, after her sister stole the Egyptian throne from their father, Pharaoh Ptolemy XII. French has filled any gaps in the historic narrative with schemes, fashion, pirates and adventure. Chapter titles such as “Doom!” and “Throw Them to the Crocodiles!” compel the reader onward, while fierce, intelligent Cleopatra drives the story forward with sheer force of personality. French – who has previously written the Girls Who Changed the World series, alongside many other history-inspired books for children – pulls no punches when considering the past; slavery, poverty and child marriages are discussed sensitively. A lengthy author’s note at the end of the book dives deep into what is fact and what is speculative about the time, giving extra context for those who wish to learn more. History-loving readers aged 9 and over will be captivated by Cleopatra: The Girl Who Would Be King.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Kathryn Wheaton Grierson is a library operations officer and aspiring writer based on Kaurna land. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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