Sent from her native Scotland to live in the court of her future father-in-law, King Henry II of France, young Mary, Queen of Scots, spends her t...
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reviews
Mar 01, 2011
Linda
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This is a simple tale of a complex woman. There is nothing in depth about this book and I skimmed parts that seemed boring and trite.
Mary was six days old when her father, King James V of Scotland, died on the battlefield. At nine months of age, she was crowned queen of Scotland.
This book does not focus on the complexity of her tragic life, rather it reflects the time period when, as a very young child, she was sent to France to live in the court of King Henry II. An alli More...
Mary was six days old when her father, King James V of Scotland, died on the battlefield. At nine months of age, she was crowned queen of Scotland.
This book does not focus on the complexity of her tragic life, rather it reflects the time period when, as a very young child, she was sent to France to live in the court of King Henry II. An alli More...
Nov 20, 2010
Lina
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I read these books when I was little, so I have a very childish adoration for them. However, reading them now I am irritated with the historical inaccuracies since they help perpetuate the lack of knowledge having to do with history in general. MQoS is a very complex figure given a very anglo personality, when she was notoriously French. She reads like Elizabeth I, who the writer of this book wrote for. Despite that all, I was willing to ignore that since not a lot is know about certain figures
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Mar 09, 2011
Ana
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Mary, Queen of Scots / 0-439-19404-0
This Royal Diary is, in many ways, one of the most touching entries in the series. Mary, the young Queen of Scotland, has been living in France, in a sort of 'pleasant' exile, far from her home, her country, and her loving mother. Bright, cheerful, and healthy, she frets for her young fiance, a sickly boy who she has come to regard as a friend, if not necessarily the most desirable of suitors. Though she is a Queen, she is without a court beyond her four deare More...
This Royal Diary is, in many ways, one of the most touching entries in the series. Mary, the young Queen of Scotland, has been living in France, in a sort of 'pleasant' exile, far from her home, her country, and her loving mother. Bright, cheerful, and healthy, she frets for her young fiance, a sickly boy who she has come to regard as a friend, if not necessarily the most desirable of suitors. Though she is a Queen, she is without a court beyond her four deare More...
Sep 13, 2010
Jennifer
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I loved this peek into the life of a very well-known woman of history. A woman who was crowned queen as an infant, betrothed at the age of 4, and separated from her mother at the age of 5 to grow up in a foreign country.
This series is so good for girls! It highlights how many of the strong women in our history may have been as children and young women - the things that may have helped shape them into the leaders that they later became.
This series is so good for girls! It highlights how many of the strong women in our history may have been as children and young women - the things that may have helped shape them into the leaders that they later became.
Feb 06, 2011
A.S. Halsey
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REVIEW COMPLETE
The Royal Diaries, comparable with Dear America, are historical fiction novels geared toward young readers, told through the unique and fun perspectives of various royal or noble girls throughout history, but rather than being stiff, boring biographies, they are written in diary form through the eyes of these famous women in their childhood or young adult years. Easy to relate to and enjoyed by young readers who have an interest in history.
The Royal Diaries, comparable with Dear America, are historical fiction novels geared toward young readers, told through the unique and fun perspectives of various royal or noble girls throughout history, but rather than being stiff, boring biographies, they are written in diary form through the eyes of these famous women in their childhood or young adult years. Easy to relate to and enjoyed by young readers who have an interest in history.
Sep 11, 2009
Julia
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I liked this book because it talks a lot about the spying methods used in those days. It also talks about how much Mary misses her mother and Scotland. There is a lot of adventure in this story too, so that adds to my like list of it. I pity Mary, but I think that she didn't do that great a job of ruling Scotland when she wasolder. I wouldn't want ot end being beheaded.
Feb 28, 2010
Rebecca
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Mary became Queen of Scotland when she was just a baby, after the death of her father. But in a time where alliances among the powerful nations of Europe are important, Mary is sent away from her home at age five to live in the court of King Henry II of France, where she will be educated and live as one of the family until she old enough to marry Henry's son, Francis. The year is 1553, and Mary is eleven. She longs for her homeland, and for her mother, but is good friends with nine-year-old Fran
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Mar 12, 2010
Louis703
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Well i felt that this book was accurate in the historical back round, and the characters were well developed. However I was disappointed because the conflict and purpose of the book really wasn't strong at all. Mary Queen of Scots was murdered and in History had a strong want to murder her cousin Elizabeth and become Queen of great Britain.
In the book, Mary was simply just a child with no purpose.
In the book, Mary was simply just a child with no purpose.
Nov 23, 2009
Neena
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I liked this book very much. I love the basic outline of the story: to rule a country that you don't even live in and to be separated from your mother at such a young age. This book is a very interesting book because it has drama in it, but it is appropriate for kids. It opens a new perspective for them.
Nov 27, 2009
Hannah
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I think that most of these Royal Diaries are amazing, but this one has always been my fav. I was introduced to the series in 2003, and I've enjoyed reading them ever since. I think the age range is 12-14, but I still read them sometimes, and I'm 16!
Dec 26, 2011
Patrice
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In this version of her life, I really liked Mary. I know later accounts paint her as wild, reckless, foolish and a tad insane. I think that this is a more fair presentation, since it has no political movtivations. She is fascinating.
Oct 10, 2009
Ms Anderson
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Interesting. I definitely learned more about Mary Stuart, but I came away with more questions than were answered about her life. I guess I'll just be reading something else about her for more information!
3/5 on here, 7/10 for myself.
3/5 on here, 7/10 for myself.
Apr 13, 2009
Alicia
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I started reading this one but didn't finish reading it. Right before this one I read Elizabeth I: Red Rose of the House of Tudor, England, 1544 and I guess they were just to close alike for me to get into this one.
Mar 14, 2010
Brenna
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I really enjoyed this book! Mary was so caring towards her friends. Her loyalty was touching. I can also relate to her very well. I understand how it feels to live far from your real home.
Dec 02, 2010
Sweetp-1
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I bought this for my daughter who is a pre-teen. I liked this a little better than the Catherine of Aragon one I just finished because this diary was from Mary herself rather than a maid (in Catherine's book). I think I would have found it more interesting if the diary was from later in her life but it was interesting to see the political and historical background that she grew up in, albeit a little "uncomplicated" - but such, this is a children's book and I think the level of detail
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Jan 30, 2009
Rachel (Sfogs)
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I found it quite funny that I was reading a book about a woman, which my history teacher really really hates!
But it was a good story all the same!
But it was a good story all the same!
Dec 22, 2008
Corinneecomly
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I love the Royal Diaries series. They give a great glimpse into the lives of historical girls/women from all over the world. Excellent writing.
Jun 12, 2009
Madeline
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I really liked this type of book at one point, but I really don't know why. It is very hard to make a diary interesting, and these are no exception.
Jan 26, 2009
Sarah
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A good novel about the tradgedies and up-liftings in the 1550's all put into a diary by an 11 year old queen that is without a country.
Dec 05, 2008
Laina
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I remember it being inspiring, but it's another one I need to reread. I don't think I fully understood it at the age I was when I read it.
Mar 28, 2011
Melody
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it records the child hood of the queen of scots in france and the longness of returning home in scotland
a good book
a good book
Jul 31, 2009
Larissa
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Does anyone know how accurate these royal diaries are? Like, is any of the events based on any historical fact at all?
Mar 06, 2009
Writerchic
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i liked this book because i really like bagpipes and learning about Scottish things!!!! its really cool.
May 20, 2010
Misti
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I liked this book, however I wish that it had more information on when she was beheaded and of what age.
Apr 12, 2010
right now she is getting her own house and is waiting for her husand to be old enough for marriage
Oct 21, 2009
Angelique
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This one was interesting, how a Scottish princess learns to deal in French royal society.
Dec 15, 2008
Meadow
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July 12, 1554
I think hawking is one of the things Francis and I do se well together. Our instincts combined with those of the birds seem to fit perfectly when we are in the field. We speak very little to one another but silently give the calls to birds and perform our hand signals. This afternoon the two of us went out with only Robin McClean as our guard. And though as I took a rest on the ridge of a hill that there was something of perfect harmony amongst the three of us and birds we had More...
I think hawking is one of the things Francis and I do se well together. Our instincts combined with those of the birds seem to fit perfectly when we are in the field. We speak very little to one another but silently give the calls to birds and perform our hand signals. This afternoon the two of us went out with only Robin McClean as our guard. And though as I took a rest on the ridge of a hill that there was something of perfect harmony amongst the three of us and birds we had More...
Mar 05, 2011
Meredith
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I enjoyed this, she had a sad later life, but this portrayed her nicely.
Dec 24, 2010
Marisa
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Supposedly, we're related to this queen so it made it all the more fun.
Sep 24, 2011
Emily
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This might sound cruel but I don't feel sorry for her for not having an own country to rule upon. Slightly connected to Elizabeth I, it made me compare their achievements. And I have to say: Elizabeth is better.
