I really enjoyed reading Of Princes and Patriots by Laura Lee Dooley. It is a historical story set in old Bangkok and follows the life of a young orphan named Chanchai. He has no memory of his past and spends his days trying to survive on the streets. Everything starts to change when he meets Prisana and a group of orphaned children who welcome him with kindness. As the story moves forward, Chanchai learns what friendship, trust, and love really mean while facing many difficult moments. The story also shares Thai history and old legends in a way that feels interesting and natural.

The characters are the reason I became attached to this book. Chanchai is such a sweet and innocent boy that I wanted things to get better for him from the very beginning. Prisana quickly became my favorite character because she looks after everyone even though her own life is full of pain. Their bond felt real, and many of their moments together were emotional. I also liked that the story was not just about survival but about people standing by each other when life becomes hard.

What I liked most was the hope this book gives. Even when Chanchai has almost nothing, he never loses his kind heart. Reading his journey reminded me that one caring person can make a huge difference in someone else's life. There were a few scenes that made me feel sad, but they also made the happy moments feel even more special. When I finished the book, I kept thinking about the characters and everything they had been through.

I would definitely recommend Of Princes and Patriots to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with strong characters and an emotional story. Laura Lee Dooley has written a book that is easy to read, touching, and full of heart. If you enjoy stories about friendship, hope, courage, and finding a place where you belong, I think you will really enjoy this book.

~ Mish Ali