Booklist
Chicago, IL
September 15, 1999
Lasky, Kathryn. Elizabeth I: Red Rose of the House ofTudor.
Sept.1999. 192p. Scholastic, $10.95 (0-590-68484-1)
Gr. 4-7. This fictional diary, part of the Royal Diary series, concerns some of the happiest years of Elizabeth's youth, when she lives with her father, King Henry VIII, and Catherine Parr, who tries to establish a sense of normalcy for the royal children. It's plain, however, that Elizabeth exists with the knowledge of the executions of her mother and stepmother and the awareness that she may be exiled at any moment. Lasky uncovers the nitty-gritty details of daily living and achieves a reasonably believable tone without using much unfamiliar language. Although it's illogical for a diarist to incorporate explanations of terms into a journal presumably written only for the author's eyes ("marzipan [almond paste]"), the definitions provided will enable contemporary children to read without the interruption of a gossary. The book is handsomely designed, with an epilogue, a histonical note, a family tree, photographs, and a word from the author. For a more flattering depiction of Elizabeth's older sister, Queen Mary I, see Carolyn Meyer's Mary, Bloody Mary reviewed elsewhere in this issue. -Susan Dove Lemphe
A Librarian's Review
The success of the Dear America series has created a new project: the royal diaries. Here the acclaimed historical fiction writer Kathryn Lasky uses her research skills and her love of history to write this fictional diary of Elizabeth I as a I3-year-old princess in the royal households. Her father Henry VIII is with his last wife and these are his final months of life - he is ill, grossly obese, yet loving of his children. Because her mother, the infamous Anne Boleyn. was considered a traitor and beheaded. Elizabeth's existence in the court is not secure. Sometimes she is sent off to isolated palaces and "forgotten": other times she is with her brother Prince Edward. sharing his tutor and his activities. accepted as a member of the court.
Lasky dwells on the details of everyday life: food, hygiene, schooling, pets, games, medical treatment. These details, in the intimacy of the diary form, help to make the 16th century a reality in the imagination of today's readers. Elizabeth herself, courageous. highly intelligent, cunning, is believably the young girl who grew into one of the most powerful women in world history. This diary will start anyone thinking about Elizabeth and her times and make them curious for more knowledge of Elizabeth's fate. This past year we had the marvelous portrayal of Elizabeth in film, which will be of interest to those who are introduced to her in this diary form. Carolyn Rosser, RUATT