Empress of the World

Ryan, Sara. Empress of the World. Speak: 2001. ISBN: 0142500593.

Plot Summary:
Nicola Lancaster is spending her summer at the Siegel Institute, a summer educational experience for gifted students. She makes friends quickly with Battle, Katrina, Isaac and Kevin. This is unusual for Nicola, she doesn't make friends easily. The new friends don't share classes, but become tight and hang around with each other. Nicola begins to feel uncomfortable and self conscious around Battle and thinks Battle feels the same way. Each has sort of had boyfriends before, but sense an attraction to the other. The girls act on their feelings and explore the relationship. Most people at the Institute don't say anything, but a few jerks in Nicola's archeology class call her names. The relationship scares Battle and she acts out in an extremely hurtful way.

Critical Evaluation:
Empress of the World has won numerous awards and was included on several Best Book List. It is a sensitive exploration of friendship that turns into romance. The book is not delineated by chapters, it simply has part one and part two. This lends continuity to the narrative. Ultimately the book is about relationships, touching on parents, friends and romance. Teens struggle with relationships on a day to day basis. Sara Ryan discusses the issues in frank and honest turns without preaching. Most of the teens have a tenuous relationship with their parents, sometimes issues with friends at home and explore romance at the Institute. The scene where cutting Battle's hair takes place is moving on several levels. First, the girls are able to physical put actions to their feelings in a fun way. Second, the statement Battle makes is less about self expression, instead it is primarily about asserting her independence. Nic and Battle's relationship is tricky like most romantic relationships. This sheds light on the fact that it doesn't matter what gender is involved, when your heart is concerned it can be difficult and sometimes hurtful.

Reader's Annotation:
If you are nervous and unsure in a romantic encounter, chances are the other person is too.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Being a teen is hard, being a gay teen is even harder. Books that deal with this theme in a thoughtful, sensitive way help teens through this time frame. Defining our sexual identity is something that takes time and support from our family and peers. Books can be a part of that support system.

Genre:
Issue Novel/Sexual Identity

Why Book Included:
I haven't read very many books within this genre and wanted to pick a book that was recommended. Empress of the World is listed on an ALA Best Book List.