Charlemagne Mack: Rise of the Queen by Stephen M. Jones

[Spiral7]

Hi, folks...I've already mentioned this book on the General Discussion portion of this tremendous site, but I'm just so taken with this wonderful little book that I feel like I need to spread the joy a little more. The book falls into the category of middle-reader children's fantasy/adventure books, e.g., Harry Potter, Eragon, Spiderwicke, SofUE. What's unique and engaging about the book is the author brings to the forefront a 12-year old African-American girl who we first meet in the inner city (the author never says which American inner-city). Charlemagne--or Charley Mack as her few friends call her--is an exceptionally bright and talented girl known at her middle-school as a "colored egg" by both students and teachers. This is the way the primarily black and Hispanic kids who are Honors Students are referred to. It's not a good thing being a bright student with dreams at this school and Charley Mack often finds herself on the outs with many of the other students who are essentially prisoners of their socio-economic status. She is also a gifted gymnast who has a scholarship at an UpTown gymnastics school. Her adventure begins quickly and dramatically and sweeps her from her dangerous inner city neighborhood to the Louisianna bayou, New Orleans, Oak Bluffs Massachusetts and finally to an unseen island hidden in the Bermuda Triangle. Every step of her journey is taking her closer to becoming the "Orisha" an ancient African term for "Queen". I absolutely LOVE this book because of its inventive story, the obvious love of language the author has and the obvious love for children who struggle being "different". It's also a story that puts WOMEN at the forefront which is not something you see a great deal of in children's literature. WISE women, full of character and humor. This is a story where most of the adults Charley Mack comes in contact with aren't the clueless baffoons of children's stories past, but rather guides and elders who try to help her on her journey. I've never been a big fan of Hip-Hop, but this book takes what's good about Hip-Hop culture (some fashion, no-nonsense attitudes, inventive language) and folds it into the story giving the book a modern-day urgency. And for those of you who enjoy a nice science-fiction yarn, this book will simply blow you away while giving you a lot to think about (believing in something bigger than yourself, staying true to yourself, giving and earning trust and, amazingly enough, forgiveness). I tried to do a little research on the publisher of this book and all I could find out is they're a small publishing house out of New Hampshire. You would think a book of this quality might have gotten bigger publishers fighting over it. Then again big doesn't always mean better or smarter. Either way, for kids this is a truly wonderful book and for adults who enjoyed Harry Potter and the like, I think you'll find Charlemagne Mack: Rise of the Queen a brilliant little read. (The book also has rekindled my interest in the historical King Charlemagne!)

[Carol21]

Dear Spiral7,

I happen to be the publicist for said small publisher. What else would you like to know about us? Charlemagne Mack is truely a gem and I appreciate you're enthusiasm. I wonder if you'd be willing to post your review on Amazon?? I also appreciate your criticisms and would enjoy hearing more of your thoughts.

[Stunt Penguin]

I just read the reviews of this book on Amazon, and they're just great. I think I'm going to add this book to my wish-list and read it soon. I avoided reading Harry Potter for ages, branding it as a kids' book, and then fell in love with it when a friend insisted on lending me a Harry Potter book. Don't want to make the same mistake again!!!