I loved this book when I was younger. Every time I finished reading it then I would start it all over again. ( )

This is a wonderfully written book for younger teens about the life of the young Princess Elizabeth. It gives a fabulous introduction to the intriguing times of Tudor England as Elizabeth struggles to survive the violent rule of her half sister, Mary. ( )

General Fiction/Historical Fiction, drama, romance, family, politics, Interest Level: Grade 6, GLE: 6.9, 2002.

Princess Elizabeth faces danger and drama during her brother, Edward's reign, and then later her sister's, Queen Mary. She experiences imprisonment in the Tower of London, political unrest, religious persecution, and general familial unrest. Throughout the experience she observes and learns because when she is crowned Queen of England she is determined to repair the damage her family has caused in England. ( )

Beware Princess Elizabeth begins with my father's (King Henry VIII) death in 1547. I had a fractured relationship with him; sometimes I was favored in court and other times I was sent away. I was only three when my mother Anne Boleyn was executed. My true companion was my governess Kat Ashley.
My half-brother Edward then became king, but he was young and frail; his reign was short. And brief was the reign of his successor, Queen Jane Grey. My half-sister Mary and I intensely disliked each other; now Mary is Queen of England. I have been accused of plots against Queen Mary and imprisoned in the Tower. I was young and alone with my struggles. I learned to be circumspect in my words and actions. Spies and intrigue still surround me.I know that I, Princess Elizabeth, will eventually become England's ruler. I must be patient and I must beware! ( )

Ever since I attempted to read Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, I realized that if I wanted to appreciate that book, I needed to gain a better understanding of the Tudor lineage, personalities and power plays. I asked around for a recommendation for a fictional account that would be easy to follow but was founded on solid research and historical accuracy. That's when an LT friend surprised me by sending me this book in the mail.

As part of the Young Royals series, the short novel is an first person account of Elizabeth's life from the death of her father King Henry VIII, through the trials and tribulations of the reign of her brother Edward VI, followed by the extreme discomfort she suffered throughout her sister Queen Mary's rule. Mary Tudor had such a fear that Elizabeth would take the throne from her through an organized rebellion that she banished her and treated her as a prisoner for the better part of her reign.

The simple family tree of the Tudors at the beginning of the book was a great help, and I finally feel like I've got a bit of background understanding of the dynamics at play. I'm not sure what I'll follow up with, but at least I am no longer completely in the dark. ( )