nzingha: warrior queen of matamba written by pat mckissack

McKissack, Patricia. Nzingha: Warrior Queen of Matamba. New York: Scholastic Inc., 2000. ISBN: 9780439112109

Plot Summary:
     Nzingha is the first daughter of the leader of the Mbundu people. During this particular period of time, the Portuguese slave traders would ship Mbundu captives to work in their plantations. Nzingha's father is one of those captives who was shipped off; however, after his return from the plantations Nzingha is at the age where she is preparing to marry. Despite her cultural obligations, Nzingha would rather spend time with her father hunting; however, the elders in her tribe would forbid it.

Critical Analysis:
     Nzingha: Warrior Queen of Matamba is a title of historical fiction detailing the story of Nzingha. The author, Pat McKissack, illustrates the life of Nzingha through cultural markers as told through Nzingha's diary. Some cultural markers mentioned within this work of fiction include the details and descriptions of Angola, Africa, language used by the Kiluanji tribe, and historical figures. Some descriptions and details of Africa that further strengthen cultural accuracy include the descriptions of the wildlife, such as leopards and wild pigs, as well as the Kwanza River which is geographically found near the capital of Mbundu. Along with these geographical depictions the author also incorporates Kimbundu words and names. Chokwe, the word for a group of people in eastern Angola, is just one of many words included in the context of this title which further strengthens the cultural accuracy of this work. McKissack also does a good job of including the accurate names of various leaders and Governors, such as Dom Joao Furtado de Mendonca and Kafushe Kambare. Through the inclusions of language, cultural descriptors, and figures Pat McKissack presents a culturally accurate work of historical fiction to her audience.

Review Excerpts:

"This entertaining piece of historical fiction recreates the year 1595 to 1596 in the life of a young African princess destined to become a queen in what is now Angola. Nzingha keeps a diary in Portuguese in order to become familiar with her enemy's ways. This journal traces the year before and including her coming of age at 13. Though she is the first child of the king of Ndongo, her mother was a slave and an outsider, which precludes Nzingha from becoming the heir to her father's kingdom. Her rivalry with her half brother, her budding natural leadership, and her cunning as an ambassador to the Portuguese spin out a fascinating story. A key moment is when she uses one of her guards as a bench so that she is on a level with the seated governor. An epilogue wraps up Nzingha's life of 82 years, whereby she becomes Ngola of Ndongo and later Queen of Matamba, ever defying the Portuguese petitions for slaves. A historical note of life in Africa in 1595, a section on the Ngola family tree, photos, maps, pronunciation guide, and glossary complete this educational book in "The Royal Diaries" series." - Children's Literature

"Nzingha, an Angolan princess in the 16th and 17th centuries, was born in a land in which women were predestined to be subservient to men's whims. Nzingha, however, broke that rule and, following her father's footsteps, became a leader after his death. Through fictionalized diary entries, readers learn that Queen Nzingha is knowledgeable, intelligent, and brave. She is opposed to Portuguese slavery and European ways of life, although she secretly learns the outsiders' language and uses it to her advantage. The diary format will appeal to readers and the author's use of time lines, seasons, and actual place names makes the story believable and interesting. While the ending is too abrupt, this is still a good addition to the series. The maps, photos, glossary, illustrations, and genealogical trees enhance the presentation." - School Library Journal

"This remarkable book tells the true story of a courageous young princess who grew to be a military leader and hero. Set in 16thcentury Congo and enriched with vivid descriptions of the jungle, the story unfolds through the journal writings of Nzingha, who is 13 and about to be chosen for marriage. Nzingha yearns for the attention of her father, the leader of the Mbundu people, and fervently wishes to join him on a hunt. Nzingha is chastised for her impetuous and spirited ways, but ultimately earns her father's praise. The defining factor of their lives, however, is the constant encroachment of their enemy, the Portuguese. As her father's faith in her grows, Nzingha is entrusted to negotiate with the Portuguese Governor, who offers peace if her people will supply slaves to the Portuguese. She discovers that these slaves are shipped to Brazil, where they are worked often to death. When Nzingha decides to advise her father against this bargain, she is kidnapped. Folks are not what they seem through the twists and exciting turns the story suddenly takes. The journal ends with Nzingha's safe return and marriage, but the epilogue goes on to give a synopsis of her lifelong fight to save her people from slavery and domination. With photos, woodcuts, and maps the reader is able to get a very accurate picture of this leader, who is still honored in present day Angola and Brazil. McKissack (Color Me Dark, p. 637, etc.) has written a stunning and thoroughly researched addition to the Royal Diaries series." - Kirkus Reviews 

Connections:
Customers who purchased this title also bought the following titles: Go and Come Back, Doomed Queen Anne, and Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons.

Interactivity:

• Explain that this title may be historical fiction, but it is based on the leader and general Nzingha. 
• Ask audience what is something that they are expected to do, but would rather do instead.
• Have the audience pick out various cultural markers included within the context that accurately depict Africa.