Product Description

In their hope to restore Hawaii¹s toppled monarchy‹and the Hawaiian way of life‹the people of Hawaii turn to Princess Kaiulani, who is only a young girl. Acclaimed author Ellen Emerson White makes her debut on the Royal Diaries list with this compelling narrative of the tumultuous years following Hawaii¹s forced annexation to the United States, skillfully rendering the voice of the young princess and the unrest of a people.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #130423 in Books
• Published on: 2001-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 237 pages

Amazon.com Review
Ellen Emerson White's contribution to the fictionalized Royal Diaries series portrays the short life of Hawaiian princess Kaiulani Cleghorn. The daughter of a European merchant and a Hawaiian princess, Kaiulani was a direct heir to the Kalakaua dynasty, and third in line for the Hawaiian throne. In her diary, she details her lavish wardrobe, her pet peacocks, and her unusual friendship with the shy, sweet writer Robert Louis Stevenson. When she leaves her beloved islands to attend boarding school in 1889, Kaiulani makes the best of it, noting: "I go off not for myself, but for all of the Hawaiians I will someday lead." Sadly, that was never to be. While Kaiulani was overseas, the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown by American Reformers, mostly businessmen interested in cashing in on Hawaii's sugarcane and teak industries. Kaiulani immediately left Europe to plead her country's case to President Cleveland and other American dignitaries. But her efforts were in vain--Hawaii was annexed to the United States by 1898. Kaiulani died a year later at the age of 23, many believe of a broken heart. This tragic chapter in American history is relatively unknown, and while the origins of Hawaii's statehood will no doubt intrigue many young readers, it is Kaiulani's determined and hopeful voice that will stay with them long after the last page is turned. Emerson White concludes the diary with an epilogue, historical notes, a diagram of the Kalakaua family tree, six pages of photographs, and a glossary of Hawaiian words. (Ages 9 to 14) --Jennifer Hubert

From School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-This fictional journal covers a period of four years in the short life of Princess Victoria Kaiulani of Hawaii. Beginning in 1889, the 13-year-old starts recording her thoughts before she is sent to school in England. As heir to the royal Hawaiian throne, she must learn the poise and composure befitting a future monarch, a role she takes very seriously. In the earlier years of the journal, the overall tone is lighthearted, but Kaiulani frequently alludes to the political difficulties confronting the monarchy, which is plagued by exploitative American business interests. As the problems mount, the diary entries become sparse and filled with the princess's personal worries, with mentions of her failing health. The quotidian writing style is often self-conscious and frivolous, maturing along with the teen. The easy-to-read diary format will appeal to young audiences. The epilogue and historical notes that follow are essential for understanding the historical context of the story. The final sections of the book have several pages of photos and a glossary of Hawaiian words that appear in the text. This book provides an effective way of spreading the story of a dignified and courageous young woman. While it is not as well written as some other titles in this series, it is still a worthy addition to collections carrying the "Royal Diaries."-Be Astengo, Alachua County Library, Gaines-ville, FL

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 5-8. From the Royal Diary series, this purports to be written by Princess Kaiulani of Hawaii. The story begins in1889, when the 13-year-old princess learns that she will soon be leaving for England to complete her education. She records her pleasures in her home and her family, her joy at befriending Robert Louis Stevenson, and her anxiety about her journey. The diary continues over the next four years as she travels to England, studies and matures, then returns to America to plead the case for her country's independence to America's people and their president. White sticks close to the facts in this fictional account of Kaiulani's life. Readers who enjoy this "diary" may also want to read Sharon Linnea's Princess Kai'ulani: Hope of a Nation, Heart of a People (1998). Back matter includes an epilogue, a historical note, a family tree, a section of photos, and a glossary. A good, accessible addition to a popular series. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Customer Reviews

The tragic story of Hawaii's last princess.
Born to privilege in 1875 as the daughter of King Kalakau of Hawaii's youngest sister Miriam Likelike and her Scottish husband, Archibald Cleghorn, Princess Victoria Kaiulani Cleghorn enjoyed a luxurious childhood. But her life has not been without sorrow - Kaiulani suffered the tragic loss of her young mother when she was just eleven. Second in line to inherit the throne, Kaiulani is sent to England at the age of thirteen to be educated. Even though it is her duty as an heir to the throne, Kaiulani longs for her beautiful home and her family. In England, Kaiulani is a stranger in a strange land. Her only reminder of home is her half-sister Annie, who has accompanied her. But as years go by, England finally begins to seem like something of a second home. But even far from the place of her birth she cannot escape tragedy. Her uncle, the King, dies, and his surviving sister, Liliuokalani, becomes Queen. Now Kaiulani is heir apparent to the throne of Hawaii. But if the Americans have their way, there will be no throne left for Kaiulani to inherit. Told through the form of Kaiulani's fictional diary entries from 1889-1893, this book revealed what life was like for Hawaii's last princess.

Awesome!
Kaiulani Cleghorn, Hawaii's last princess (although that fact is not known until near the end of the book), is just leading a normal, princess's life. Until she has to go to England for school. But before she leaves, she becomes good friends with a world-famous author, and many other things happen. But once she goes to Europe her life changes completely. Hawaii's king passes away, sadly, and her Auntie Lydia becomes Queen. Annie has to leave Europe, leaving Kaiulani all alone. She does have a few friends, though. Then Mr. Davies moves Kaiulani (now nicknamed Vike) to be privately tutored like she was back in Hawaii. This is a nice change for "Vike", but she still wants to go back to Hawaii to help her people. This book is a must-read for all fans of Hawaii, all fans of Dear America, and all fans of fantastic books.

A country that would have had a Wonderful Queen: Kaiulani
I had read this book and I think it's great. It made a picture in my mind of Hawaii when ruled under a monchary. It made me feel so relaxed I wished I was there! Kaiulani tells about her moments on Hawaii before going to England for schooling. One thing she loves is her tall tree and her peakoks. Kaiulani also says that she can't wait to be Queen of Hawaii.

In England, she says it isn't that bad. She is homesick though. Kaiulani tells about how she likes England and its way of life. She even makes friends. But, then she finds out that her Aunt is now Queen of Hawaii. After her aunt would pass away, Kaiulani would inherit the throne. Sadly, that was never meant to be full filled.

When she arrives back at her home, she feels good to get back to her tree, peakoks, and the climate. Then she finds out that Hawaii is going to become part of the US. So, her family gets around the Queen of Hawaii at the palace, the Hawaiian anthem played for the last time, and its flag lowered and the US flag raised. That was it. The monchary of Hawaii was destroyed. As Kaiulani grows up, she struggles to get Hawaii's monchary back. She couldn't, she tried. In her 20's she died. Many think because of a broken heart. Hawaii would never forget Kaiulani. She would have been a wonderful Queen. A Queen that would fight for her country.