The Queen’s Granddaughter

Gr 4 Up–In this richly imagined historical novel, Zahler brings to life the later years of Eleanor of Aquitaine as she journeys to her daughter’s court and selects a granddaughter to marry the French king. Readers follow Blanca (also known as Blanche), the unsuspecting granddaughter suddenly chosen for this royal duty, and her best friend Suna as they travel to France and face the realities of political marriage. Blanca’s perspective provides an accessible window into the world of arranged alliances, courtly expectations, and the heavy responsibilities of leadership. Zahler’s portrayal of Blanca is engaging and relatable, balancing pluck and vulnerability as she navigates friendship, duty, and identity. The immersive medieval setting, woven with vivid details of court life and society’s rules, adds depth and authenticity.