As the princess of Castile, 12-year-old Blanca does her best to have fun with her siblings and her best friend, Suna. She isn’t prim and proper like her older sister, Urraca–much to her parent’s dismay. But her carefree life is interrupted with the arrival of her grandmother, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Everyone expects the queen to choose a princess to marry the future king of France. But the queen’s decision leaves everyone stunned.
Though she’s only 12, Blanca of the 12th-century Kingdom of Castile knows she will one day marry a king. However, with her older sister, Urraca, still at home, she isn’t worried about taming her unruly nature anytime soon. Saying goodbye to her sister, though, seems to be coming much sooner.
When Blanca’s grandmother, Queen Eleanor, arrives to select one of her granddaughters to marry the future king of France, Blanca is sure that she’ll pick the ever-so-proper Urraca. And naturally, Blanca is distressed about her sister leaving home. But when the queen announces that Blanca will be marrying the prince of France—Blanca’s distress grows exponentially.
After working through her anger and fear, Blanca departs Castile with Queen Eleanor and her best friend, Suna, by her side. They face a treacherous journey over the Pyrenees Mountains. Weather can turn on those mountain passes in a minute, and plenty of nefarious men would love to capture a powerful royal. Blanca will need all her strength and cunning to survive the journey. Regardless of the danger, Blanca sets her face to France. After all, her stubbornness and bravery are why the queen chose this future for her in the first place.
Mass, God, bishops, priests and saints are mentioned. Blanca’s mom gives her a cross necklace. Blanca thanks God during her traveling party’s escape. Stained-glass windows depict the crucifixion. Many churches and cathedrals are mentioned and make up some of the setting. The practice of indulgences is mentioned.
Other religions are mentioned, including Judaism. Characters refer to the Almohads, or Muslims. In fact, Blanca’s friend Suna and Suna’s family are Muslims (a plausible possibility, historically speaking). Blanca and her friend read some works by Greek philosophers and scholars of other religions. The Quran is mentioned.
Queen Eleanor has had been married twice, both times to kings (Louis VII of France and Henry II of England). She has a very commanding presence and many are afraid of her. Some nobles use their power well, but others exploit poor subjects.
Some of Blanca’s siblings died at birth or very young. A pilgrim talks about giving birth to several stillborn babies and miscarrying others. A different pilgrim mentions his wife’s death. Blanca’s mom almost dies in childbirth. Many of Queen Eleanor’s children died, including King Richard of England and Geoffrey (Richard’s brother). Suna’s dad died of the pox. Babies starved because of a selfish nobleman. One villager says “d–n his stingy soul,” referencing the nobleman.
Crusades are mentioned. Blanca has her ears boxed by her nurse. Blanca mentions wanting to smack her sister. Queen Eleanor’s imprisonment by her husband King Henry is discussed. Blanca tackles her brother, Ferdinand, to keep him from being trampled by a horse. Jousting is described and a hunting party is mentioned.
Queen Eleanor describes scholars of other religions as infidels and heretics. Wars and battles are described. Wine and ale are mentioned. Blanca describes a previous experience when her skirt caught fire and she was burned. Blanca, Suna and Queen Eleanor almost get frostbite. Cursing is mentioned.
Two men are bloodied in a fight. The bloody sword from the fight is described. Hugh de Lusignan is a nobleman who hates queen and wants her dead. Some characters are captured. Blanca drugs a guard with a sleeping herb.
Knights of the Templar and soldiers from Queen Eleanor’s party come and fight de Lusignan’s men to free the queen. Some soldiers fall in fight. Many conversations cover violence and battles with Muslims. Murder is mentioned. Historically, Louis, who Blanca eventually married, died shortly after taking the throne.
Blanca is obviously very young to be engaged—but such marriages were common in the book’s historical era. Blanca’s mom explains that Blanca’s marriage will be one in name only until she comes of age. Girls being forced to marry old men is discussed. Kissing is mentioned. Unfaithful husbands and wives are mentioned.
Has a sibling ever gotten something you wanted? How did you react? How could you have handled the situation better?
Read Romans 12:18. What do you do if someone is mad at you?
How can you help those in need in your community?
The Queen’s Granddaughter is a story based during an interesting period of history that isn’t often explored. However, the subject of young children being married and the violence throughout the book could be difficult topics for young readers.
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Book reviews cover the content, themes and worldviews of fiction books, not necessarily their literary merit, and equip parents to decide whether a book is appropriate for their children. The inclusion of a book’s review does not constitute an endorsement by Focus on the Family.
Rachel Pfeiffer serves as Editor of Focus on the Family Clubhouse magazine, where she acquires and crafts stories to entertain and disciple children. She graduated from Taylor University with a degree in professional writing and Moody Theological Seminary with an MA in Biblical Studies. When she’s not curled up with a good book, she can often be found hiking the beautiful Colorado Rockies.
