Three Dark Crowns
Written by Kendare Blake

Publisher’s Summary:
In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins.

The last queen standing gets the crown.

Primary Source Pairing:
The setting for the story Three Dark Crowns is almost as important as the three young queens themselves. The movement between the islands and the secrecy of what happens with each queen is an important part of the plot. For this primary source pairing, use the map included in the book. Invite students to study the geographical elements included and analyze the other details included in the artwork such as the familiars, the poisons, and the storm clouds. Additionally, check out the character profiles of Katharine, Mirabella, and Arsinoe created by Epic Reads.

Questions for Discussion:

• Describe what you see.
• What do you notice first?
• What size and shape is the map?
• What graphical elements do you see?
• What on the map looks strange or unfamiliar?
• What extras are included on the map besides geographical elements? Why are these included?
• What questions do you have about this map?
• How does analyzing the map while reading the story help reading comprehension?

Credits:
Book Cover and Summary: Follett
Map of Fennbrin: Three Dark Crowns Wiki