Learning about the history of a people is really cool for kids. Check out my review of Cixi. She managed to topple an entire dynasty.
Title:Cixi: The Dragon
Empress
Author:Natasha Yim
Publisher:Goosebottom Books LLC
ISBN:978-0-9834256-5-6
Author:Natasha Yim
Publisher:Goosebottom Books LLC
ISBN:978-0-9834256-5-6
Cixi was born in
1835 to a minor government official. Although her childhood was
secretive she always felt she was treated differently than her three
sisters. When she was a teenager her mother registered her to work at
the palace. She could either be a servant or concubine. Cixi chose
the latter. She was impressed with how the emperor lived and embraced
the opportunity to escape her miserable childhood. As time went on
Cixi moved up to Imperial Consort. She was considered to be one of
the emperors highest ranking wives. It wouldn't be long that she
would bear him a son.
When the emperor
fell ill and hadn't yet named his heir, Cixi stepped in showing the
emperor her son and demanded he be named. He did grant her request.
The Chancellors didn't like it because they knew that since the child
was under the age of 17 he would not be the actual ruler. Instead his
mother would be able to dictate rules. Cixi took action to make sure
her request stood fast. She banned one Chancellor and beheaded
another. Cixi was strong willed, ambitious and easy to offend. She
was a cruel woman and did whatever it took to rule.
As a woman in
charge, Cixi made living around her unbearable. She was unpredictable
and even brought harm to her sons wife. She considered her to be too
much of an influence. Peasant uprising and a war with the west caused
Cixi and her court to flee. By the time Cixi returned to Peking the
Palace had been ransacked and looted. She had wanted to keep the West
out of China. In the end, despite her efforts, the west had forced
its way in. Cixi managed to crumble an entire dynasty.
Natasha Yim has
done an excellent job of putting together this factual book. The
history and behind the scenes look at a woman who crumbled an empire
will have young readers turning the pages and looking up the history
for themselves. Elegant illustrations depict what was worn, the hair
styles and lifestyles of this time period. Throughout the book young
readers will find facts and pictures that solidify Yims story of a
dastardly dame.
Natasha Yim is the
author of Otto's Rainy Day, published in 2000 by Charlesbridge
Publishing, and selected as a Kids' Pick of the Lists. Her
non-fiction article, “Dragons Race on Water,” appeared in the
June 2010 issue of Highlights for Children magazine. She lives in
Northern California with her family.
www.goosebottombooks.com
I love the Joker too! But my favorites are all of the Disney villains. Thanks for stopping by.
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