The Little Princes in the Tower

School Library Journal

Gr 7 UpThese series titles provide excellent fare for the curious. The story of the little princes, historically thought to have been murdered by Richard III, isn't as immediate as Amelia Earhart because some of the history is slower going, though Lace makes it as intelligible as possible. For those interested in the 15th century, however, the power of the tragedy resonates even today, and this retelling provides fresh insight into the bloody machinations of power figures of the era, making the convoluted understandable and providing the necessary clarification. Even though Amelia Earhart disappeared in 1937, interest in the fate of the aviatrix still drives many ongoing investigations and fascinates young people. Woog chronicles the woman's notable successes and adventures and then examines many of the theories that have arisen since her disappearance. All of the speculations make for engrossing reading. Both books are enlivened by many inserts that expand upon figures and events mentioned in the main text; by primary sources, in which difficult terms are defined; and by numerous black-and-white photographs and reproductions, making the books useful for research and for satisfying leisure reading.Susan F. Marcus, Pollard Middle School, Needham, MA