Nine Days a Queen: The Short Life and Reign of Lady Jane Grey

I had freckles. I had sandy hair. I was too short. Would my feet even touch the ground if I sat on the throne?These are the words of lady Jane Grey, as imagined by celebrated author Ann Rinaldi. Jane would become Queen of England for only nine days before being beheaded at the age of sixteen.Here is a breathtaking story of English royalty with its pageantry, privilege, and surprising cruelty. As she did in her previous novel Mutiny's Daughter, Ms. Rinaldi uses powerful, evocative writing to bring to life a teenage girl caught in the grip of stirring times.

From Booklist

Gr. 6-8. Lady Jane Grey speaks from beyond the grave to tell her convoluted story, which Rinaldi does her best to simplify. Jane, related to the Tudors through her mother, becomes third in line to the throne following the death of her cousin, King Edward. Unfortunately, Jane is betrothed to the son of a nobleman who is determined to keep Mary, who is Catholic, from assuming the throne. Finagling puts Jane on the throne for nine days--after which she is beheaded. This well-known end to Jane's story takes up a small part of the book; a greater part recounts her life of privilege; her friendship with her cousins Edward, Mary, and Elizabeth; and happy times spent away from her cruel parents. Numerous details about food, clothing, and amusements decorate the story. Knowledge of English history will certainly be helpful to understand the politics, but this works well as the story of a young woman buffeted by events, whose few moments of happiness are her most valuable possession. Ilene CooperCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“The combination of pageantry and maneuvering will likely appeal to fans of historical romance.”

VOYA

“Rinaldi introduces readers to a tragic figure in British history, bringing her to life in an approachable and readable format. … [A] captivating saga.”

Dallas Morning News

“Powerfully written in the first person, this well-researched historical novel is extraordinary.”

Romantic Times BOOKclub

“This novel is a must for history lovers but still relates to teenagers of today.”

From the Back Cover

I had freckles. I had sandy hair. I was too short. Would my feet even touch the ground if I sat on the throne?These are the words of lady Jane Grey, as imagined by celebrated author Ann Rinaldi. Jane would become Queen of England for only nine days before being beheaded at the age of sixteen.Here is a breathtaking story of English royalty with its pageantry, privilege, and surprising cruelty. As she did in her previous novel Mutiny's Daughter, Ms. Rinaldi uses powerful, evocative writing to bring to life a teenage girl caught in the grip of stirring times.

About the Author

Ann Rinaldi is known by her many fans for her richly satisfying historical fiction. Eight of her novels have been named ALA Best Books for Young Adults, including Time Enough For Drums, The Last Silk Dress, A Break With Charity, and Wolf By the Ears. Author of more than thirty books for young readers, including a book in the Dear America series, she was awarded the National History Award by the Daughters of the American Revolution. She lives in Somerville, New Jersey.

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