American Royals

American RoyalsAmerican Royals (American Royals, #1) by Katharine McGee
Published by Random House LCC US on September 3rd 2019
ISBN: 0593123913
Pages: 438
Goodreads
three-stars

In McGee’s reimagining of American History where George Washington becomes America’s first king rather than its first president, Washington descendant, Beatrice Washington, is in line to become America’s first female monarch. Set in an America remarkably similar to our own present-day, Beatrice has always handled the weight of this responsibility well until her parents suggest it is time for her to marry. Along with her twin siblings Samantha (who feels very familiar to Britain’s Princess Margaret) and Jeffrey, Beatrice begins to challenge the strict protocols and expectations that come with being a “royal.” What comes next is forbidden love, betrayal, and ball gowns. This is a great read-alike for readers finished with Kiera Cass’s The Selection or Crazy Rich Asians and, of course, there is an obvious connection for viewers of the Netflix series, “The Crown.”  There is a planned sequel to this book which readers will be anxious to get their hands on. For grades 9 and up. 

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

three-stars