Summary: London, England 1592. Twelve-year-old Isabel Campion will never be like her older sister Sabine, but no one seems to want to understand. Her elaborate dreams of freedom and adventure are sunk when Sabine becomes engaged and duties of running the household fall to Isabel. When she makes an impulsive decision to disobey her father's orders and sneak out to see a play, her foolishness results in her being sent away to live with an aunt she hardly knows. Isabel's journey there is far from simple though; along the way she learns to find her place in her family and her world.
Violence/Disturbing Images: Minimal; several characters become ill and some die from plague; patients at a clinic have health problems to be treated; character falls from his horse and dies, no graphics
Sensuality/Nudity: Minimal; mention of character kissing his fiancée at their betrothal ceremony
Profanity: None; mention of a character swearing but no language recorded
Morality: Little; Isabel’s aunt is referenced as being a “very religious woman”
Other: Isabel is given a necklace with a charm that is said to supposedly “ward off evil”
This kickoff to the Girls of Many Lands series by American Girl is a delightful read! I loved the American Girl History Mystery books when I was younger and only recently happened upon this similar set of books at my local library. I decided to give it a shot for old times’ sake and ended up loving both this book and the second! While geared towards younger readers, there is a depth to the story that older readers will also find interesting. The characters were realistic and the historical facts accurately portrayed. As a reader, I instantly sympathized with Isabel’s inner struggle to find her place despite the restrictions of the society she lived in. Events move along at a quick pace, leaving little room for readers to get bored. My only complaint would be the somewhat abrupt ending, but other than that, Isabel: Taking Wing is an excellent read!
Overall Recommendation: Ages 10+
God bless!
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