Lexile Measure: 830L (What's this?)
Mass Market Paperback: 227 pages
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (April 1, 2001)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0152164561
ISBN-13: 978-0152164560
Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.6 x 6.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (142 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #67,319 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #2 in Books > Teens > Historical Fiction > Biographical > European #8 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > European #54 in Books > Teens > Historical Fiction > Europe
Age Range: 12 and up
Grade Level: 7 and up
Mary, Bloody Mary is a wonderful find for a history teacher. It is historical fiction that is exciting and full of vivid detail. Kids will not have to be nagged to read this riveting story of Henry VIII's eldest daughter whose life was a rags-to-riches story in reverse. From being her father's precious jewel to living in worn-out clothes, forbidden to see her mother, and pressured to sign documents stating that her own birth and birthright were illegitimate, Mary's story is told in a compelling and sympathetic manner by author Carolyn Meyer. This meticulously researched book adds detail that brings the era to life. We are pulled into Mary's universe: her studies, her daily life, her friendships, and, of course, the intrigue of court life under Henry VIII all are vividly recounted in this book. Mary emerges as a complex character who kids will find fascinating and relatable. I'm so pleased to see such high quality writing targetted for young adults. I plan to use it in my seventh grade history classes and know the kids will love reading and discussing it.
I highly reccomend this excellant novel. Young Mary Tudor narrates the story of her difficult childhood. The first few years of her life were filled with every privilage imaginable - until her father had an affair with the bewitching Anne Boleyn and tossed aside his first wife, Mary's mother, forbidding her to ever see her again. When at last Mary is allowed to live in the palace again, it is as her infant half-sister Elizabeth's servant. This is a powerful moving novel about a young girl who faces so much loss and tragedy in her life - seperated from her mother, stripped of her title, turned into a servant - that it's no wonder she grew up to become the person she became.
I you want "Cinderella-esque", then you will love this. If you want a gritty, realistic depiction of history, then you will hate it.I adore history, both ficttion and non-fiction. Mary Tudor and the events of her life are a period I find fascinating. I have to say, therefore, that I was quite disappointed with Carolyn Meyer's novelised version of Mary's life as a young Princess. I bought this not aware that it had been written for a teenage audience.Firstly, the title is not really appropriate. "Bloody Mary" was a sobriquet she was given only after the burnings of the Protestants she authorised as Queen of England. Since this is a story set many years previously, it is pointless; if only to inform someone unfamiliar with history that the woman who eventually became known as "Bloody Mary" is the protagonist of the novel.Secondly, when writing a historical novel, any changes made have to be subtle, not glaring. Anne Boleyn did not always ONLY wear blacck with a white trim. She was very fashionable and as Queen, would have had an extensive wardrobe. Garbing her always in black, in order to further demonise her is unrealistic.Nor is there ever a Sir Francis Peacham accused of adultery with Anne Boleyn. Sir Francis Weston is the man accused, along with the other four, who are executed for adultery with the Queen.Thirdly, the characters are archetypal and one-dimensional. I do admire Meyer's attempt to explain Mary's actions when on the throne as a cause and effect of her early life, but it doesn't really work. She spends so much time casting Mary as the hapless victim and listing her grievances, that the opposing characters in the story; such as King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Thomas Cromwell, among others; are really CARICATURES.King Henry goes from golden prince to bloated tyrant far too quickly, while Anne is always the evil witch dressed in black. Cromwell is referred to as "the toad". Never do we really hear the viewpoints of the other characters, except to cement Mary as the victim.That said, there is no denying that her father, stepmother and many others at the royal behest treated Mary appallingly. However, the audience does not need this constantly reiterated. Overall, I found the novel inaccurate and monotonous.For those who want a more sophisticated version of historical fiction, I suggest reading the works of Jean Plaidy.
This book was an excellent hisorical fiction novel. It tells about Mary Tudor from when she was about 10 - 20, when her life as a princess is awful. Her father, Henry the eighth, takes a mistress, Anne, and she pretty much ruins Mary's life. When Henry marries Anne, Mary becomes illegitimate, and she becomes a servant to their child, after being banished for years. Once you read this book you can tell why Mary became who she did in her later life. Plus this book made this bit of history very interesting! This was a great book, and I'd recommend it for ages 12 and up. If you liked this, you'd probably like to read "Elizabeth, Red Rose of the House of Tudor" a Royal Diary that tells about Mary's half sister.
This book is incredible! It gives the startling background of a girl, Mary Tudor, who suffered unimaginable pains as she grew up. I have been especially interested in the history of Elizabeth I and her family. Before I read this book, I pictured Mary as a mean and rude older half-sister to Elizabeth. Afterwards, though, I really connected with Mary and the way she felt towards Elizabeth. This was because it was Elizabeth and her mother who stripped her of her title. At first she was this beautiful princess with a title to be the next queen, but then Anne Boleyn turned her into a lowly servant girl. I believe the way Mary used her power of deception as a servant girl to spy was unique and clever. She also had friends who helped her all along the way. At times these friends had to be rude to literally keep their heads, but they told Mary why they had to treat her like this. Mary is extremely understanding with these people and this causes you to care about her. This book gives a wonderful, but fictionalized historical point of view. It really turns your mind around. I think that anyone who is interested in history, or that is just looking for a good read, should buy this book!
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