At her majesty's request
Scholastic 1999
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- identity and belonging
- cross-cultural experience
- race and class
- resilience
- colonialism and empire
- royalty and power
- adoption and found family
- history and memory
About this book
This nonfiction biography tells the extraordinary true story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, an African princess who was brought to England and became a protégée of Queen Victoria. Walter Dean Myers weaves letters, diary entries, and photographs into a vivid portrait of a young girl navigating two very different worlds. Readers get a close look at Victorian court life and the lasting impact of empire and identity. Kids are drawn to the real-life princess story, the primary-source feel, and the window into history.
Setting: West Africa and Victorian England, mid-1800s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is At her majesty's request right for my child?
Yes — At her majesty's request is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.8, which is typical for 7th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include identity and belonging, cross-cultural experience, race and class.
How long does it take to read At her majesty's request?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, At her majesty's request takes around 2.4h to finish. The book has 25,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does At her majesty's request have an AR quiz?
Yes — At her majesty's request has an AR quiz available, worth 4 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is At her majesty's request?
At her majesty's request has an AR reading level of 7.8, which places it at a 7th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.