Mara, Daughter of the Nile
by Eloise Jarvis McGraw · Grade 6-8 · Ages Ages 11-14
Mara is a clever girl living in ancient Egypt who dreams of being free. When powerful people notice her quick mind and language skills, she is drawn into palace secrets and must use her courage and wits as a spy.
Key vocabulary
A pharaoh was a ruler of ancient Egypt, like a king or queen.
A scribe was a person trained to read and write, which was a very important job in ancient times.
Papyrus was a plant used to make an early kind of paper in ancient Egypt.
A barge is a wide, flat boat used to carry people or things on a river.
An amulet is a small charm people wear because they believe it can bring protection or luck.
Linen is a cloth made from flax plants, often used for clothing in ancient Egypt.
A lotus is a water flower that was important in ancient Egyptian art and stories.
Intrigue means secret planning, especially when people are trying to gain power or solve a mystery.