Cleopatra VII: Daughter of the Nile was the first book in the now-well established "Royal Diaries" series by Scholastic. Through the young princess' fictional journal entries, readers travel back in time to Ancient Egypt and meet Caesar, Cicero and Marc Antony. An epilogue summarizes the famed queen's marriage to Antony and the rest of her diplomatic life. The book includes helpful historical notes, a family tree and illustrations. It's designed to feel like a real princess's diary, with gold-embossed pages and a sturdy binding. It'll keep 12-14 year-olds (especially girls) reading.  (EGY70, $10.95)