June Eding

This is a great introduction to Queen Elizabeth I, full of actual historical facts and fun asides about the life of England's greatest queen. A perfect entry point into history for young folks, and also a good starter for those adults unfamiliar with history and her story.

Queen Elizabeth I is one of my favorite women in history. This "Who Was..." biography of her is well-written for children in middle to upper elementary grades. The print is large and most pages contain some kind of illustration related to the text. While not a fictionalized biography, it does feel as if the author is telling the reader the tale of Elizabeth's life. The biography takes the reader through her life from start to finish. It glosses over some of the touchier aspects of show more Elizabeth's life, such has her mother's beheading. It is said merely that Henry VIII accused Anne Boleyn "of a crime she did not commit", rather than give the more controversial details. Queen Elizabeth I is portrayed as a strong, though flawed character. Her courage and devotion to her country related, but so are her fears, uncertainties, and harshness. The representation feels fairly balanced and straightforward.
One thing that impressed me about this biography was the added pages of information related to people, places, and events that effected Elizabeth's life. There are separate descriptions of the Tower of London, the queen's progress, the Privy Council, the Reformation, the plague, Sir Frances Drake, the New World, the queen's wardrobe, William Shakespeare, and London. Also, the last chapter compares and contrasts Elizabeth I with Elizabeth II and shows how the monarchy in England has changed. A bibliography of sources is included, as are timelines if Elizabeth's life and the world during the time of her life. Appropriate for grade 2-6. show less

I like that the author starts the book with a quick glimpse at the Queen's greatest accomplishment in order to capture the readers attention. For me, knowing that she was willing to die with her soldiers to defend her country made me want to know what other great things she did. The second reason that I like this book is because the author weaves in other important historical facts outside of the Queen's life. For example, the author includes information on the Black Plague, fashion during show more this time, and when Martin Luther nailed a list of complaints to the church door. The big idea behind this book is to tell about the life of Queen Elizabeth from England. show less

Queen Elizabeth may have been shunned by her father, King Henry VIII, but her reign out shinned his reign by light-years. She was a brilliant, cultured child who lived a life of drama and intrigue, before and after her coronation. This biography gives brief insights into the lives of Robin Dudley, Mary Stuart and Sir Francis Walsingham who played key roles in her royal life.

"...in the end she left her people with a great gift: a strong and powerful England."

Clever illustrations by Nancy Harrison