Warrior Queens: True Stories of Six Ancient Rebels Who Slayed History

Beneath the slang (“Relax, the sisters insisted. We got this”) and groan-inducing puns (“as a naval commander, she was ready to overcome any oar-deal”), this book offers a deep look into little-known aspects of ancient history. Women leaders—Amanirenas, Artemisia I, Boudicca, Hatshepsut, the Trung sisters, and Zenobia—each receive a chapter. Their stories launch explorations of ancient cultural practices and beliefs, including sibling marriage to consolidate power in Egypt, the use of antibiotics in Nubian culture, and the importance of a dragon and fairy myth in Vietnam. Each chapter is illustrated with photos of historical artifacts and full-spread illustrations by Mayer, resembling a mash-up of the Marvel aesthetic and classical Greek art. Though the subject matter has lasting appeal, of-the-moment language may limit this book’s shelf life. Ages 9–12. (Sept.)