Kaiulani: The People's Princess, Hawaii, 1889

This series is interesting because it shows princesses struggling for their rights as heirs and generally having a tough time of it. This one details the tragic story of how control of Hawai'i was stolen from her native people and given to the US. We learn it from a Hawai'ian princess who has been pulled from her native country just before the turmoil and forced to watch everything from England where she boards at school.

Heart breaking. That's how I would describe this book. It had it's fun and funny parts, but mostly my heart was breaking for Kaiulani and her people. So many horrible things happened to them and to her in particular and I never knew. I had never heard of her or what happened to the people on the Islands of Hawaii. It's a disgrace, really, and I'm glad I know now and I hope I don't forget. The book is worth the read just for the historical value alone if you didn't know about this like me. Well written, very good. 5 out of 5 stars. I would recommend this book in a heart beat.

Another fantastic Royal Diaries. A good example of under represented royals in history as well as giving a voice to Natives. This series is well done and well researched. They are respectful while also keeping interest in the history. I think these are great reads for kids and young adults

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 show more 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. It was a very interesting book about a little known and tragic historical figure. show less

The Royal Diaries are a spin off from The Dear America series....both offer a wonderful way to teach children history. I thoroughly enjoy reading them myself.... and as a homeschooling Mom, I consider them a very valuable educational resource.

After being forcibly annexed by the U.S., the Hawaiian people turn to the young Princess Kaiulani in the hopes that their toppled monarchy can be restored.

Written as a diary, about Kaiulani, Princess of Hawaii, her experiences at boarding school, and having to watch her country be taken away. A great series for young girls!

One feature of the Royal Diaries series is once the story is finished, the author includes a section which is only facts: pictures/portraits of the main characters, family trees, a "What life was like in (insert name) lived" to help the reader distinguish between what we know about the characters, what we assume from artifacts found, and what the author made up to help the story along.