Shirin Yim Bridges

In China, at a time when few girls are taught to read or write, Ruby dreams of going to the university with her brothers and male cousins.

In a village in Thailand where everyone makes umbrellas, young Noot dreams of painting the most beautiful one and leading the annual parade as Umbrella Queen, but her unconventional designs displease her parents.

"Get up, Elizabeth! It's time for the future queen to get out of bed, scrub her face with almond paste, brush her teeth with soot, comb the tangles out of her unruly red hair, get dressed, and sit still while her ruff is sewn on and her sleeves are pinned. It's rough rising and shining every day--for queens and kids alike."--Front jacket flap.

Brings to life the story of Isabella of Castile, a 15th century Spanish princess whose revolutionary thinking made possible a unified Spain and the discovery of America.