The Fitzosbornes in Exile

Gr 7—10—Sophie Fitzosborne and the rest of her small royal family return in Michelle Cooper's sequel (2011) to A Brief History of Montmaray (2009, both Knopf). The story picks up after Montmaray was attacked by the Nazis and Sophie, her brother Toby, her sister Henrietta, and her cousin Veronica flee the tiny island kingdom to the safety of England and their wealthy Aunt Charlotte. At first Sophie revels in the luxury of England with beautiful clothes, servants, and balls. Toby, hating school, is sent down from Oxford. Henrietta visits Buckingham Palace and manages to make herself persona non grata, and Veronica offers up Aunt Charlotte's home to children fleeing the Spanish Civil War. Through it all, 16-year-old Sophie records family events both large and small, but fails to comprehend that she is the glue that keeps them all together. The political situation of 1937 soon impacts the family. The teens decide to petition the League of Nations for censure of the Nazi take-over of Montmaray and find themselves trying to outwit Nazi enemies who want the kingdom for strategic reasons. Emma Bering's elegant English accent infuses the quirky family with warmth and humor. Being chased by Nazis adds palpable tension to the story and the ending is satisfying. Libraries with the first audiobook will want to add this fine sequel to their collection.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK