What if George Washington chose to rule as king instead of president? This alternate-reality series follows his modern-day descendants as they desperately cling to relevancy and try to avoid World War XXX. McGehee uses humor and satire to subtly comment on today's celeb-obsessed society and its social-media addiction. With its entertaining, timely premise and simple prose, this hi-lo series is well suited to reluctant teen readers.

MCGEHEE, Laura . The Royal Queen's Reign . Bk. 3. ISBN 9781680764796 . MCGEHEE, Laura . The Royal Weddings . Bk. 2. ISBN 9781680764789 . ea vol: 208p. (American Royalty). ebook available. EPIC. 2017. Tr $18.99. Gr 9 UpThis satirical series imagines a world where George Washington drunkenly made the decision to become king rather than president. The books follow his descendants in the royal family during the modern era as they tussle to be crowned the next king. The players in this fight include gluttonous King Jonathan, scheming Queen Donna, irresponsible party animal Prince Trevor, vain Prince Kyle, and calculating Princess Emma. The series humorously integrates details about George Washington and the times in which he lived (for example, each royal needs fake teeth). The appearance-crazed, technology-absorbed royals are used to cleverly critique modern culture through, for instance, their obsession with their GlassPhones and the social networking site RoyalChatterStream. Each entry in the series has an eye-catching, pop-art style cover that will appeal to teen readers. VERDICT This is a uniquely clever hi-lo series for high school readers, and the titles are written at a sixth grade reading level.