 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Cleopatra's Moon
- By Vicky Alvear Shecter
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Exciting novel imagines the life of Cleopatra's daughter.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this work of historical fiction gives readers a vivid picture of what life was like for Cleopatra's children during the period leading up to and following her death. The novel includes swear words, some harsh name calling, suicides, murder, and attempted rape. The book shows the brutality of war, which may be especially disturbing as it is presented in an eye-witness account of a child. There is also discussion of sexuality in both positive and negative relationships.
What's the story?
Cleopatra Selene is the only daughter of famous Queen Cleopatra. She is fiercely independent while longing to live up to her mother's expectations. Her world is perfect until political problems and war means the loss of everything she's ever known and everyone she's ever loved. Navigating a hostile country and homelife, she vows to reclaim her mother's throne, but is her mother's life the life for her?
Is it any good?
Author Vicky Alvear Schecter brings Cleopatra's daughter Cleopatra Selene to life in this truly engaging and exciting novel. The characters are well developed and Schecter is masterful at drawing a picture of ancient Egypt and Rome so detailed readers can almost feel the marble of Egypt underneath their feet and smell the harbor of Rome. The novel is perfectly paced and filled with action, romance, aching loss, and redemption. Teen and tween readers will find themselves completely captivated and feel their heart race alongside Cleopatra Selene's.
Parents may want to read CLEOPATRA'S MOON alongside their children, particularly younger ones, as it has many disturbing scenes and complicated topics. This is a great book for discussing women's roles in ancient times and today. This is one of those books that both adults and their kids will love.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about dealing with loss. Why was it important for Cleopatra to ensure that her family members would have a proper funeral when they died? Have you ever lost a family member or friend? Did you go to the funeral? How did it make you feel?
Cleopatra's Moon deals with parental expectations vs. the expectations young adults have for themselves. Do you feel pressure to be interested in things your parents are interested in?
Families can talk about healthy sexual relationships. What types of relationships did Cleopatra Selene witness? Which ones were positive? Which ones were negative?
Families can also talk about the differences in how women and men were treated in different cultures. What cultures do you identify with the most? How do you feel about how women are treated in those cultures?
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AGE
Excellent
This vivid, compelling historical fiction about fascinating characters should have terrific appeal to teen girl readers, and is enjoyable reading for adults too! The author did an outstanding job; I gather she's written non-fiction on this historical period and to solid knowledge of the era she has in this book also added great storytelling. I would caution that the first third of the book, set in Egypt, is one long drumbeat of impending and then arrived doom, including the death (by suicide) of both beloved parents, and other violence (see the CSM details). Although this violence is not gratuitous -- it's actually rather restrained and tasteful while still being true to the times and events -- I think it puts this book a bit beyond a more sensitive 12-year-old reader, so I'm marking this book as suitable for ages 13 and up. I'll comment that the book also does have some sexuality; I consider it appropriate for the story. The part set in Rome is fascinating in its depiction of life there: violence, deaths and treachery, as well as romance and culture.
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AGE
This review is by my 12 year-old daughter:
"This book is great. It is the first book I've ever read in which I've cried. I like historical fiction like 'The Red-Headed Princess.' The characters are good. The message is that you cannot become someone you are not. And you have to choose between two loves. I would definitely recommend this book to girls my age and above."
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| Author: | Vicky Alvear Shecter |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Historical Fiction |
| Publisher: | Arthur A. Levine |
| Publication date: | August 1, 2011 |
| Number of pages: | 368 |
| Hardcover price: | $18.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 17 |
| Read aloud: | 17 |
| Read alone: | 17 |
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