Bibliographic Information: Meyer, Carolyn. Beware Princess Elizabeth. New York: Harcourt
Inc., 2001. ISBN: 0-15-204556-2. 214 pages. $5.95.

Category / Age Level: Young adult historical fiction. Suitable for age 12 and up.

Characters: Elizabeth Tudor, heir to the throne of England; Edward, Elizabeth’s younger half-
brother, who becomes King upon their father’s death; and Mary, Elizabeth’s much older half-sister, who becomes Queen upon Edward’s death. All three are the children of Henry VIII, by three of his wives.

Plot: This book tells of the life of Elizabeth I, from her point of view, from the death of her
father, the King when she was 14 years old, until she gains the throne at the age of 25 after her half-sister, Mary, dies. All of the trials that Elizabeth faced during the reigns of her two half-siblings are portrayed, including the accusations of conspiracy against the King that Edward’s advisors were certain of, as well as being held prisoner under Mary’s orders because she was a Protestant, rather than a Catholic.

Touchy Areas: Descriptions of the burning of Protestants during Mary’s reign as Queen may be
disturbing for younger readers.

Related Titles:
Books: Mary, Bloody Mary and Doomed Queen Anne, part of the same series of books
by this author.
Movies: Elizabeth

Evaluation: This book helps bring history to life as it lets us inside the mind and private life of
the girl who would eventually become one of England’s most powerful rulers. Many teens will find the plot and characters engaging, since it includes several figures that they have learned about in the classroom, but portrayed in a much more accessible and interesting way. This book would be a wonderful addition to a History unit about this period, since it goes beyond the mere facts and makes the content more realistic.

Overall Rating: 10 out of 10