Madagascar: The Rise of a Queen

Gr 5 Up–A remarkable new adventure series, especially for those searching for a story with a strong female protagonist. Prince offers readers an opportunity to dive into a subject matter that is often underrepresented, especially in graphic novel format. This book is full of action and drama, and from the very beginning, readers know there will be turmoil. They will quickly learn of Ramavo’s personal challenges and those of her community and will be eager to see if her strength and wisdom will help her pull through. Prince’s vivid illustrations offer a view into Ramavo’s soul and provide an understanding of each characters’ emotions. Beautiful, nerve-wracking, and even a little gruesome, the artwork will keep readers engaged page after page. Those who like adventure, danger, and tales from faraway lands will connect with Ramavo and will be left wanting to continue reading the series. There short portions that incluse French dialogue that may be difficult for some, but not enough to deter those who are hooked by the story. Educators who want to empower young historians will find this graphic novel useful. Introducing topics that are often overlooked, this title offers the chance to consider larger issues in women’s history and African history from the very relatable personal perspective of Ramavo.