Also by this author: The Angel Orphan: Charlotte Mason Finds Her Way Home, Chronicles of Wonder: The Story-Formed Life of C. S. Lewis
Series: Tales of Boldness and Faith #3
Published by Moody Publishers on August 5, 2025
Genres: Children's, Children's Educational
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She was a real-life princess.
Brave Princess Aina tells the true story of a courageous child who grew into a faithful, brave young woman. In this fictionalized biography, Leah Boden brings to life the tale of Aina—later known as Sara Forbes Bonetta. Born into nobility in West Africa, Aina was orphaned and enslaved as a child before being freed during a daring rescue mission that was part of a long fight to end slavery. Her journey took her from Africa to England, where she formed a close family bond with Queen Victoria. This bright young woman received an education at Anglican missionary schools and at the home of abolitionist Captain Frederick Forbes, alongside his children, where she learned the power of prayer. Her remarkable story of faith, bravery, and unshakable spirit will captivate and inspire young readers.
Sarah Forbes Bonetta was a real-life African princess who was born in 1843. When she was five years old, a neighboring kingdom invaded her village, killing Princess Aina’s parents and capturing people as slaves. After a British naval officer rescued her, she grew up in England under a new name as Queen Victoria’s ward. She became a bridge between cultures, and during her adult life, she returned to West Africa and helped establish schools there. Her story exemplifies many complexities from that time in history, particularly related to the British Empire and colonialism. Her story is also a powerful example of resilience and faith in God, showing how someone can thrive in spite of trauma and make a difference in the world.
This is the third book in the Tales of Boldness and Faith series, and it is my favorite so far. This fictionalized biography has excellent pacing and beautiful grayscale illustrations, and even though the dramatized scenes involve creative license, the writing style will engage readers in a way that mere summaries of facts cannot. Also, because so much of the book focuses on Bonetta’s childhood, kids will be able to see her as a role model and imagine how they would feel in her situation. Bonetta’s life circumstances were intense and unique, but the author draws out broad emotional themes that kids can relate to from their own circumstances. This story can be especially meaningful for other children who feel culturally displaced and torn between two worlds.
The publisher is recommending this for kids ages eight to twelve. This book deals with tough topics in an age-appropriate way and never goes into detail about the traumas that Bonetta experienced during the attack on her village or her time in captivity. The book only obliquely references these horrors, showing their impact on her without graphic details. The author also explores tough themes about racial discrimination and cultural dislocation in a thoughtful way. I wondered how well the author would handle writing about a historical figure from a different race and culture than her own, and it is clear that she put a lot of research and thought into this. She also thanks people in the dedication whose feedback influenced her manuscript.
Brave Princess Aina: The Courageous Heart of Sarah Forbes Bonetta is a touching story that will appeal to kids and adults. This fictionalized biography is truly inspirational, and I recommend this to families who are looking for true stories about historical figures, especially if they are seeking out biographies about lesser-known people from diverse racial backgrounds. The faith-related elements in this book will especially appeal to Christians, but this book is a great read for anyone who wants to learn about Princess Aina and her powerful life story.