Beware, Princess Elizabeth: A Young Royals Book

by Carolyn Meyer

Overview

Imprisonment. Betrayal. Lost love. Murder. What more must a princess endure?

Elizabeth Tudor's teenage and young adult years during the turbulent reigns of Edward and then Mary Tudor are hardly those of a fairy-tale princess. Her mother has been beheaded by Elizabeth's own father, Henry VIII; her jealous half sister, Mary, has her locked away in the Tower of London; and her only love interest betrays her in his own quest for the throne.

Told in the voice of the young Elizabeth and ending when she is crowned queen, this second novel in the exciting series explores the relationship between two sisters who became mortal enemies. Carolyn Meyer has written an intriguing historical tale that reveals the deep-seated rivalry between a determined girl who became one of England's most powerful monarchs and the sister who tried everything to stop her.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780547940625
Publisher:	Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication date:	09/01/2002
Series:	Young Royals
Sold by:	Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	190,227
Lexile:	910L (what's this?)
File size:	1 MB
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

About the Author

CAROLYN MEYER is the celebrated author of more than forty books for young people, many of which have received awards and honors. She lives with her husband in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Carolyn Meyer is the acclaimed author of more than fifty books for young people. Her many award-winning novels include Mary, Bloody Mary, an ABA Pick of the Lists, an NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, and an ALA Best Book for Young Adults; Anastasia: The Last Grand Duchess, a New York Times bestseller; White Lilacs, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, an NYPL Best Book for the Teen Age, and an IRA Young Adults' Choice; and Marie, Dancing, a BookSense Pick. Ms. Meyer lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Visit her website at www.readcarolyn.com.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"High drama. . . . The elements of Elizabeth's life remain irresistible."—Booklist
"Gripping."—School Library Journal

Editorial Reviews

This second title in the series of historical novels based on prominent women of the United Kingdom, begun with Mary, Bloody Mary, chronicles the first 25 years in the life of Queen Elizabeth I. Ages 12-up. (Sept.) n Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

Carolyn Meyer has made something of a specialty of the Tudors recently. Her well-received Mary, Bloody Mary is now followed in the "Young Royals" series with this fictional autobiography of Elizabeth of England in her years before becoming queen. Once one sorts out the exquisitely complex genealogy of the players (conveniently laid out in a genealogical chart), Elizabeth's story takes off. Her voice is certainly more modern than Elizabethan, but that nod to contemporary readers is soon forgotten in the world of the court and its Byzantine intrigues which unfold before us. As heads fall and heretics burn, it's hard not to root for young Elizabeth's succession to the throne—as soon as possible! A brief ending historical note puts all in perspective for young readers. 2001, Gulliver/Harcourt, $17.00. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr

Children's Literature

Set in turbulent sixteenth-century England, this novel is an entertaining tale of intrigue, self-discovery, and royal wrangling. Readers meet the future queen of England, thirteen-year-old Elizabeth Tudor, shortly after the death of her father, Henry VIII. Ever aware of her royal allegiances and duties, Elizabeth disregards her own feelings of loss to comfort her nine-year-old brother, Edward, the new king. As a pawn in the great drama of royal succession, Elizabeth must stay out of trouble and wait for her inevitable turn at the throne. The story ends rather abruptly with her long-awaited coronation, leaving readers wanting. Unlike many works of historical fiction for young adults, Meyers's book offers teens more than just a glimpse at the time period, taking a deeper look at faith, social class divisions, and individuality. All characters are flesh and blood, memorable and true. Elizabeth's half sister, Queen Mary, appears unreasonable and vindictive, but Elizabeth does not condemn her. Rather, she tries to understand this woman who fears her so, and in doing so, comes to terms with her own doubt about her ability to rule. This work has a strong female protagonist who possesses a considerable understanding of her place in society and world history. Regrettably, the book does not spend more time exploring Elizabeth's relationship with Robin Dudley, which formed the basis of the recent Academy Award-winning film of the queen's life, Elizabeth. With its wide appeal, this first-person story is a highly recommended purchase for all public and school libraries. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P M J S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined asgrades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2001, Harcourt, 224p, Ages 12 to 18. Reviewer: Stefani Koorey SOURCE: VOYA, June 2001 (Vol. 24, No. 2)

VOYA

Gr 5-8-As the title suggests, this gripping historical drama tells of the danger Elizabeth Tudor faced on her way to the throne of England. The novel is not meant to portray Elizabeth's whole life; rather, set within a story frame of her coronation, the narrative relays the hardships, ill treatment, and tragedies that occurred between the death of King Henry VIII and the death of Elizabeth's half sister, Queen Mary. Because the story is told in first person, readers have a sense of being with Elizabeth and feeling the uncertainty, apprehension, and determination she feels. The author does not pull any punches when it comes to telling about Elizabeth's feelings for Tom Seymour, her religious convictions, or the bloodshed caused at the behest of Queen Mary. The political intrigue and changing alliances could be confusing, but a family tree at the front of the book helps readers keep most of the relatives straight. If only there were a chart of court advisors, foreign dignitaries, and servants! Reading Jane Yolen's The Queen's Own Fool (Philomel, 2000), about Elizabeth's cousin Mary, Queen of Scots, would be an interesting comparison/contrast study with this novel because both women faced similar types of opposition. Elizabeth was a unique person in her own time, and her intelligence, drive, and independence will appeal to today's readers.-Cheri Estes, Detroit Country Day School Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

School Library Journal

"High drama. . . . The elements of Elizabeth's life remain irresistible."—Booklist
"Gripping."—School Library Journal

From the Publisher