Before They Were Famous Series – Caroline Corby

The Early Life of Cleopatra and Boudica for Independent Readers

Dec 6, 2008 Susan Whelan

Very little is known about the childhood of Boudica or Cleopatra. Caroline Corby explores what their lives may have been like as children and young teenagers.

Frustrated by the lack of interesting novels featuring historical figures for children, Caroline Corby was inspired to start the Before They Were Famous series to provide age-appropriate novels for readers aged 8 – 12 interested in history.

Cleopatra (Walker Books, 2008) and Boudica (Walker Books, 2008) both work to interest older children and young teens in these enigmatic figures from history by speculating on what their childhood and early teen years would have been like, offering a point of connection with their readers.

Cleopatra: Escape Down the Nile

Beginning in 59 BC with an 11-year-old Cleopatra, this novel offers insight into the life of one of the best known figures from ancient Egypt. While Cleopatra’s exploits as the ruler of Egypt are well documented, little is know of her childhood.

Corby interweaves known figures in Cleopatra’s life, such as her father King Ptolomy the Twelfth, maid Iras, bodyguard Apollodorus and tutor Diodorus, into a fictional account of Cleopatra’s life in the time leading up to and during her father’s exile in Rome. The young Cleopatra is headstrong, resourceful, intelligent and strong-willed, but also holds an obvious affection for her homeland and its people.

Boudica: The Secrets of the Druids

This story commences in AD43 with 12-year-old Boudica’s parents arriving to collect her from the care of the Celtic queen, Cartimandua of the Brigantes. With no documented information available about Boudica before her famous rebellion against the Roman invasion of Britain, Corby uses a fictional account of Boudica’s family and friendships to explore the social structure of the Iceni tribe and the everyday foods, occupations and preoccupations of the time.

The significance of druids and mysticism in the culture and the attempts of King Caradoc to overcome intertribal conflicts to unite the Late Iron Age tribes of Britain are the background to Boudica’s own struggles to achieve her dream of becoming an Iceni warrior.

Historical Fiction Based on Fact for Young Readers

At the conclusion of each story, Corby includes:

  • What Happens Next - the adult history of the central figure.
  • Author’s Notes – 2 pages outlining which secondary characters are real rather than fictional.
  • Notes from the Past - a glossary of significant cultural or social items referenced in the story.

The lack of documented information about the childhood and early teen years of both Cleopatra and Boudica mean that both novels are predominantly works of fiction, although Corby has sought to keep both characters true to the information that is available about their later years.

The historical strength of both novels lies in the way that the society and culture of the time is revealed through the interactions of both Cleopatra and Boudica with other characters and the descriptions of their home life and social environment. Descriptions of class distinctions, the impact of the expanding Roman Empire, common foods and occupations, and attitudes to women, education, marriage and other social issues offer a fascinating backdrop to the general narrative.

Before They Were Famous Series

With two books currently available, the series is set to expand in 2010 with the release of a third title, The Young Lady Jane Grey: A Queen for Sale. Other anticipated titles include:

  • William the Conqueror: Nowhere to Hide
  • Pocahontas: A Princess Betrayed
  • Julius Caesar: The Boy that Conquered the World

Short 4 – 7 page chapters and interesting narrative written in accessible language offers readers an introduction into the history of Egypt and Britain that will no doubt entice many to pursue further information.

Offering insight into historical figures and periods of history that continue to fascinate modern readers, the Before They Were Famous series is sure to be appreciated by parents wishing to share their love of history and independent readers interested in this subject.

Cleopatra: Escape Down the Nile (ISBN: 978-1-4063-1033-7, 206 pages)

Boudica: The Secrets of the Druids (ISBN: 978-1-4063-1253-9, 192 pages)

The copyright of the article Before They Were Famous Series – Caroline Corby in Children’s Books is owned by Susan Whelan. Permission to republish Before They Were Famous Series – Caroline Corby in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Cleopatra: Escape Down the Nile by Caroline Corby, Walker Books Cleopatra: Escape Down the Nile by Caroline Corby
   
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