THE REDHEADED PRINCESS

Author: Ann Rinaldi ISBN: 9780060733742 2/2008 HISTORICAL/YOUNG ADULT Publisher: HARPERCOLLINS
Time Period: England 1500s

Growing up, Elizabeth fears she can never be Queen. Although she is the King's daughter, no woman can ever hope to rule over men in England, especially when her mother has been executed for treason. For all her royal blood, Elizabeth's life is fraught with danger and uncertainty. Sometimes she is welcome in the royal court; other times she is cast out into the countryside. With her position constantly changing, the Princess must navigate a sea of shifting loyalties and dangerous affections. At stake is her life—for beheading is not uncommon among the factions that war for the Crown. With the vivid human touch that has made her one of the foremost writers of historical fiction, Ann Rinaldi brings to life the heart and soul of the young Elizabeth I. It's a portrait of a great leader as she may have been as she found her way to the glorious destiny that lay before her.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

THE REDHEADED PRINCESS by Ann Rinaldi is a fictionalized account of nine-year-old Elizabeth, the daughter of Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII. It is 1542 and she is living in exile from her father at Hatfield. There is staff enough to run the estate and her own personal household accommodate her every need. Elizabeth wants to be Queen someday, but knows she cannot trust anyone. After all, her own mother has died at her father’s order. When Elizabeth is summoned to the Palace, she is excited. But she is smart enough to be wary, for she has learned that when a horse arrives in the night, hooves pounding hard as it gallops, there is often bad tidings borne on its back.

THE REDHEADED PRINCESS has a target audience of 8-12 but I’ve got to say, I loved it. The straightforward, vividly detailed and emotionally satisfying manner in which the story unfolds is similar to sitting front row at the opera. The story comes to life so fully that there is no way not to become immersed in it. Watching Princess Elizabeth’s careful contemplation, intense study and struggle to grow from child to Queen of England is like seeing history unfold. With all its nuances and lush historic accuracy, this is a tale that can be enjoyed by all ages.

THE REDHEADED PRINCESS by Ann Rinaldi is a treasure. I have a number of young girls who will, I think, be receiving copies of this book for their birthdays. I know they will enjoy reading it and I will love buying it for them. This tale makes learning a delight.

Kay James