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

Rinaldi, Ann, (2005). Nine Days a Queen: The Short Life and Reign of Lady Jane Grey, New York: Harper Collins Publishers.

Summary: Only twelve years old and being named queen. The story is written through the eyes of Lady Jane Grey. It starts from when she is very young with her family and mentally abusive parents. She endures a great deal but learns to be strong and independent, which will become useful for her later in her life. The readers can relate to her because of her natural human qualities. The reader follows her throughout her life and growing up although it is only a few years. You follow in suspense when she is made Queen and the situations she encounters and how she handles them.

Rationale for Selection: This was another author that I was told was extremely good. I decided to choose this book because it was one that was available and had a girl as a main character.

Reader Response: I am a fan of Historical Fiction. This book was a little slow moving at first and then really gets juicy as you read into it. I knew a little about Lady Jane Gray and the reign of “Bloody” Mary or Queen Mary, but I did not know many details. It is a good book even if you do not know many facts about that time. It is especially good because the ending just leaves you floored.

Genre and Themes: Historical Fiction

Teaching Thinking notes: Obviously this would be a great opportunity to really draw interest in this time period by starting out with the reading of this book. Or even using this book mid-way through a study of this time period to really bring it too life. It would appeal to girls and boys because of the suspense that is created by Lady Jane Gray. It would especially be great for girls because of the main character being a girl.
This would also be a good time to introduce the genre of Historical fiction. As a teacher I would suggest other Historical fiction books by this author to the students.