Catherine de' Medici "The Black Queen"

This series of historical accounts profiles strong women who took extraordinary measures to achieve and maintain power--including murder, deception, and black magic--examining the women's reputations in the context of their eras. Just how wicked were they? The books allow readers to decide for themselves if these infamous ladies were indeed heartless and evil or simply out of touch and making the most of their circumstances. Dubbed the "Black Queen" of France, Catherine de' Medici came from one of the most powerful families in 15th-century Europe and, marrying into the French Royal Court, led a precarious life. This history details how Catherine, anxious to secure the power of her family, became the target of rumors about poisoning those who opposed her, was blamed for the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre, and reportedly dabbled in the dark arts. Gorgeous illustrations and an exciting narrative bring to life the woman who fought to keep her children in power but ended up blackening their names instead.

Janie Havemeyer is a literacy tutor. She lives in San Francisco. Peter Malone has illustrated more than 20 children's books and is the author of Close to the Wind.