For a young person grappling with their sense of identity and place in the world, this graphic novel explores secrets, loyalty, and finding your true self.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is questioning who they are and where they fit in. Perfect for introspective kids feeling a little lost or different, this historical graphic novel tells the story of Margaret, a girl raised in an isolated convent who discovers she is the secret daughter of a deposed queen. The book beautifully explores complex themes of identity, loyalty to family (both found and biological), and the challenge of forging your own path when others have a plan for you. It's an excellent choice for visual readers aged 10-15 who appreciate history, mystery, and character-driven stories with deep emotional resonance.
Characters make difficult and ethically complex choices for political and personal reasons.
Sensitive Topics
The core topic is identity, explored directly through Margaret's discovery of her parentage. It touches on themes of parental abandonment and complicated family dynamics; the resolution is not a simple happy reunion but a more realistic and bittersweet understanding. The setting is a convent, and Catholicism is presented as a historical and cultural framework rather than a proselytizing force. The resolution is secular, focusing on personal choice and agency.
Ideal Reader
A thoughtful 10-14 year old who enjoys historical fiction, detailed world-building, and character-driven mysteries. This is for the child who is starting to ask big questions about their own identity, family history, and place in the world. It suits a reader who appreciates a quieter, more contemplative story over a high-action plot.
Parent Prep
No specific scenes require previewing, but parents should be ready for conversations about complicated family loyalty and moral gray areas. The historical parallels to Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots can be a great point of discussion for context, but the book stands on its own. The ending is thoughtful and empowering, but not a simple 'happily ever after,' which is a good conversation starter about realistic outcomes. A parent has heard their child say something like, "I don't feel like I fit in with our family," or, "Sometimes I wonder if I was adopted." The child might be showing a new interest in family stories or feeling like an outsider in their social group.
Age Experience
A younger reader (10-12) will focus on the friendship, the mystery of Margaret's parentage, and the fascinating details of life on the island. For them, it's a compelling story about a secret princess. An older reader (13-15) will connect more deeply with the political intrigue, the nuanced mother-daughter relationship, and the sophisticated exploration of forging an identity separate from the expectations of others.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many royal-themed books, this graphic novel prioritizes quiet, internal emotional development over swashbuckling adventure. Its strength is blending a contemplative coming-of-age story with large-scale historical drama. The art is meticulously detailed, making the historical setting feel lived-in and emotionally resonant, offering a uniquely immersive experience.
Read plot summary
Margaret, an orphan, has been raised by nuns on a remote island convent. Her peaceful, structured life is disrupted by the arrival of Eleanor, the deposed queen of Albion, who is exiled to the island. Margaret soon learns a shocking secret: she is Eleanor's daughter, hidden away since birth for her own protection. As she grapples with her new identity and a complex relationship with the mother she never knew, Margaret finds herself a pawn in a political game between Eleanor and her sister, the ruling queen.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Sister Agnes tells Margaret, 'You were a secret, but you were never a mistake.' What do you think she meant? How did hearing this change how Margaret saw herself?
2
Margaret has two mother figures: Sister Elspeth, who raised her, and Queen Eleanor, her birth mother. Who do you think Margaret feels more loyal to at the end of the book, and why?
3
When Margaret learns the truth about her past, she has many possible futures. If you were her, would you choose to pursue being a queen or stay on the island? What are the pros and cons of each path?
4
The character William lives by the idea that 'no matter what they make you, you have to be yourself on the inside.' How does Margaret follow this advice throughout the story?
