Isabel: Taking Wing

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-Isabel, 12, lives under the rule of her strict Aunt Elinor. Dreaming of freedom and adventure, she sneaks across the Thames to see a play at the Rose Theatre, but is discovered and sent to live with her Aunt de Vere. On the journey to her aunt's country estate, Isabel is robbed and left alone in the forest. Disguised as a boy, she not only finds protection in a traveling actors' troupe, but she performs a few roles as well. Safely delivered to Aunt de Vere's door, she is impressed by the educated woman who teaches her the power of healing herbs and the innate strength of her gender. When she receives a letter from her sister imploring her to return home to care for their younger sibling, who may have the plague, Isabel takes charge, heals Hope, and proves that girls can think for themselves and make their own choices. Isabel is an intelligent, thoughtful child who feels indignation, fear, resolve, sadness, love, and joy. The short chapters told in first person move along at a fast pace. A final note comparing English life then and now is included. Share this book with readers who enjoyed Karen Cushman's The Midwife's Apprentice (Clarion, 1995) and Susan Cooper's King of Shadows (McElderry, 1999).-Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.