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63rd out of 533 books
—
1,389 voters
Girl in a Cage (Stuart Quartet #2)
When her father, Robert the Bruce, becomes King of Scotland, Marjorie Bruce becomes a princess. But Edward Longshanks, the ruthless King of England, has set his sights on Robert and his family. Marjorie is captured and imprisoned in a wooden cage in the center of a town square, exposed to wind, rain, the taunts of the townspeople, and the scorn of Longshanks himself. Marjo...more
Paperback, 240 pages
Published
August 19th 2004
by Speak
(first published 2002)
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Girl in a Cage, is a book about a girl who gets put in a cage for something her father has done. The main character is Marjorie. She is 12 years old and is a princess. The book takes place in two places, it takes place in Scotland but also Lanercost,England. Marjorie internal struggle is that she really misses her family. Her external struggle is with the king of England, who is the one who put her in the cage.
During my time readingthis book, I made a text-to-self connection. there was a part...more
During my time readingthis book, I made a text-to-self connection. there was a part...more
Move over, Catherine, a.k.a. Birdy. I have found a girl of your era who was even more caged than you--and younger than you--yet triumphed! Marjorie, twelve year old daughter of the king of Scotland, Robert Bruce, was captured by the English King Edward, and prisoned, literally, in an outdoor cage!
At first I was afraid it was going to be one of those tedious "child observes history with the purpose of making it more interesting to other children" books. But Jane Yolen's development of the charac...more
At first I was afraid it was going to be one of those tedious "child observes history with the purpose of making it more interesting to other children" books. But Jane Yolen's development of the charac...more
In 1306, Marjorie, the daughter of Robert the Bruce of Scotland, was captured and incarcerated by King Edward I for England, known as Longshanks. Yolen and Harris imaginatively recreate the battle of wills between Longshanks and Marjorie during her first twenty days in captivity, held in a open-air cage in Berwick. At the same time, in a series of flashbacks, Yolen and Harris recreate the events of the months leading up to Marjorie’s capture, on the run from Longshanks, with her uncles, aunts, a...more
I probably would have preferred to give this a 2.5 star rating, but will certainly round it up for the sake of showing that it was more than 'just okay'.
I found it easy to follow the switch between flash-back chapters and current-events chapters; this was fairly clearly outlined by the chapter titles themselves (ie. "my first day in captivity" vs "April 1606"), but was also clear from the authors' use of different grammatical tenses.
I was more 'captured' by the story (no pun intended) towards th...more
I found it easy to follow the switch between flash-back chapters and current-events chapters; this was fairly clearly outlined by the chapter titles themselves (ie. "my first day in captivity" vs "April 1606"), but was also clear from the authors' use of different grammatical tenses.
I was more 'captured' by the story (no pun intended) towards th...more
Another fine book by Jane Yolen. This is an engaging tale, and it also follows the historical events of its time closely enough to inform the reader about the tumultuous politics of Scotland during the rule of King Edward I (14th century?)
The main character is a young girl of ll or 12 years, Marjorie, whose father, Robert the Bruce, poses threat to Edward's certain conquest of Scotland. Marjorie is kidnapped by Edward and displayed in a cage to be tormented by bystanders and himself. Of course,...more
The main character is a young girl of ll or 12 years, Marjorie, whose father, Robert the Bruce, poses threat to Edward's certain conquest of Scotland. Marjorie is kidnapped by Edward and displayed in a cage to be tormented by bystanders and himself. Of course,...more
May 23, 2011
Amy Gwynn
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Everyone
Shelves:
young-adult-literature
Fascinating history. So much happened between England and Scotland that so few people are aware of. Here in America I've always believed that things have been fine over in those tiny countries. Apparently not!
I think, even if it may be somewhat of a spoiler, that it is a good idea to read the note at the back of the book entitled "What is true" before reading the story. In books like this it is nice to know what is fact and what is fiction. Any reader would be pleased to know that most of the in...more
I think, even if it may be somewhat of a spoiler, that it is a good idea to read the note at the back of the book entitled "What is true" before reading the story. In books like this it is nice to know what is fact and what is fiction. Any reader would be pleased to know that most of the in...more
amazing as jane yolen always is. excellent historical fiction and really had me feeling like this actually happened to that girl in the cage. loved the scene in which the church defies the villain to help the princess because is an obligation god gave them to help he needy. my heart throbbed when i learned the fate of the princesses uncle and i was outraged when her aunt also got put in a cage.... to put such a proud, defiant, strong creature behind bar...... all i could feel towards the king wa...more
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Once again, Jane Yolen brings history to life. In the year 1306, Marjorie Bruce, the only heir to the Scottish king Robert Bruce, is captured by the English king and held in a cage with nothing more than a curtain in the corner to conceal a bucket for her privy. Her cage is on a road so that all who pass by can see her, mock her, and even throw rotten food, rocks, and other things. Marjorie Bruce is eleven years old.
With the use of flashbacks for some of the chapters, we get to see the events th...more
With the use of flashbacks for some of the chapters, we get to see the events th...more
There was a lot of courage in this book, but it was not particularly happy. I still liked it though. It was pretty intriguing. What people will do in war......
Jane Yolen is one of the world’s best children’s authors. Consistently surprising, never repeating herself, she is drawn to tales of history, myth and magic. In this lovely book, her heroine Marjorie is the daughter of the Scottish king, Robert the Bruce, who is fighting for Scotland’s freedom against the ruthless English king, Edward Longshanks. Marjorie is captured and, like other women in the Bruce family, is locked in a small wooden cage in a town square, to be mocked and stoned and exposed...more
Marjorie is a new princess. Her father has just been crowned King of the Scots. This crowning was done without the King of England’s consent and now there is war. Marjorie is forced to run, but when she is given the opportunity to leave Scotland, she stays. She now finds herself suffering in a cage, waiting for rescue.
This book tells the story of history. These events did happen with some fictional events twisted in. Overall, I did not think the book was entertaining enough. I read the last page...more
This book tells the story of history. These events did happen with some fictional events twisted in. Overall, I did not think the book was entertaining enough. I read the last page...more
Girl in A cage was one of those books, that in the beginning you have to push your shelf to read it, but after that, you get hooked and got to keep reading.
To me it was another happily ever after books about a princess, but others might say not.
this book is a good book for teens who are interested in historical fiction about royalty, if you are not interested in a book about a girl who is angrily trying to break free, than this is not a book for you.
i found this book to be okay, like i said, it...more
To me it was another happily ever after books about a princess, but others might say not.
this book is a good book for teens who are interested in historical fiction about royalty, if you are not interested in a book about a girl who is angrily trying to break free, than this is not a book for you.
i found this book to be okay, like i said, it...more
As English armies invade Scotland in 1306, eleven-year-old Princess Marjorie, daughter of the newly crowned Scottish king, Robert the Bruce, is captured
by England's King Edward Longshanks and held in a cage on public display.
this book was so much more than the summary would have you believe. The authors did a superb job highlighting the personalities of the characters. You really get to know Marjorie, Longshanks, and Robert the Bruce, as well as the numerous secondary characters. I think the shi...more
by England's King Edward Longshanks and held in a cage on public display.
this book was so much more than the summary would have you believe. The authors did a superb job highlighting the personalities of the characters. You really get to know Marjorie, Longshanks, and Robert the Bruce, as well as the numerous secondary characters. I think the shi...more
I really enjoyed this book!
The story is split between Marjorie's time in the cage as a prisoner and the time before she was imprisoned that she spent leading up to the cage. This enabled the story to give us both the historical background information and war strategy that was discussed amongst the Scottish characters, and the struggle and tormenters Marjorie faced as she was imprisoned in England.
In the pre-cage narrative we meet two major female characters: Marjorie's stepmother, now Queen Eli...more
The story is split between Marjorie's time in the cage as a prisoner and the time before she was imprisoned that she spent leading up to the cage. This enabled the story to give us both the historical background information and war strategy that was discussed amongst the Scottish characters, and the struggle and tormenters Marjorie faced as she was imprisoned in England.
In the pre-cage narrative we meet two major female characters: Marjorie's stepmother, now Queen Eli...more
Marjorie Bruce is the only daughter and sole heir of King Robert de Brus of Scotland. Which means she is a highly sought target of King Edward I of England, also known as "Longshanks," or as he refers to himself, "Hammer of the Scots." In 1306 Marjorie is still a child, only eleven years old, when her father is crowned king of Scotland, and so begins her life on the run from Edward Longshanks. Only a mere eight months after the coronation, Marjorie is captured and taken to Lanercost, England whe...more
Jane Yolen knows how to write. She takes history (which aside from my romance novels I don't care for) and makes it come alive.
Girl in a Cage tells the story of 11 year old Marjorie de Brus who is a prisoner of King Edward of England. Marjorie's crime? To be the daughter of Robert de Brus, declared king of Scotland.
I pretty much hated Edward here. What kind of bastard puts a small child (or anyone really) in a cage? Out in the open for people to torment?
Girl in a Cage tells the story of 11 year old Marjorie de Brus who is a prisoner of King Edward of England. Marjorie's crime? To be the daughter of Robert de Brus, declared king of Scotland.
I pretty much hated Edward here. What kind of bastard puts a small child (or anyone really) in a cage? Out in the open for people to torment?
Watch Braveheart...
Read this...
Picks up Scotland's tale from the point of view of the new young princess Marjorie Bruce, prisoner to King Edward of England. The chapters alternate between her current situation in a cage outside a priory in one of the border towns with chapters covering the previous months explaining how she got captured. I loved the pyschological game played between 12 year old Marjorie (who is as snarky as a 12 year old should be) and the conviving King who is trying to break h...more
Read this...
Picks up Scotland's tale from the point of view of the new young princess Marjorie Bruce, prisoner to King Edward of England. The chapters alternate between her current situation in a cage outside a priory in one of the border towns with chapters covering the previous months explaining how she got captured. I loved the pyschological game played between 12 year old Marjorie (who is as snarky as a 12 year old should be) and the conviving King who is trying to break h...more
This book was made more interesting by the fact that I'm related to Robert de Brus, the main character's father. It was exciting to see the world they lived in. I didn't know much about this period of history, and this book helped me to know the background of the time period. Like a typical YA historical fiction novel, the story is told through a young adult's eyes, with everything else happening around her. Warnings: Violence, death, torture.
my rating is actually 4.5 stars.
I love stories about Scotland or Ireland, so when I found out this was about early Scottish history, I was thrilled. This is mostly a true story, with just a few things added by the author. It is hard to believe that cages was really a way that the English kept/displayed their prisoners.
I was preparing myself for a horrible ending. I just couldn't see how this book could have a good end. To my surprise it had a very satisfying ending. But I won't say anymore. I wa...more
I love stories about Scotland or Ireland, so when I found out this was about early Scottish history, I was thrilled. This is mostly a true story, with just a few things added by the author. It is hard to believe that cages was really a way that the English kept/displayed their prisoners.
I was preparing myself for a horrible ending. I just couldn't see how this book could have a good end. To my surprise it had a very satisfying ending. But I won't say anymore. I wa...more
Aug 05, 2010
Lady Knight
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
9-14 year-olds who enjoy historical fiction
I first read this book I was in my early teens, reading it now (roughly a decade later) I find that this is not as good as I remembered it. While Marjorie Bruce's story (even this very fictionalized account) is quite compelling, the novel really goes no where. There is very little plot (the majority of the novel is focused on her viewpoint and musings from in her cage) and next to no character developement. The chapters alternate between the "present" with Marjorie entraped in her cage, and flas...more
Written beautifully, with a grace that pulls the reader into Marjorie's situation and cleverly evokes weather and the cruelty of her captor, it also skips between past and present smoothly, without a jarring transition.
Despite the sometimes harsh subject matter, it's also surprisingly humorous. And Marjorie is OK in the end, unlike a lot of other depressing historical Wharton-like novels.
Despite the sometimes harsh subject matter, it's also surprisingly humorous. And Marjorie is OK in the end, unlike a lot of other depressing historical Wharton-like novels.
This story follows a brief window in the lifeof Marjorie Bruce, daughter and heir of Robert Bruce, King of Scotland. It focuses specifically on the 8 month window of time between when her father was took the throne of Scotland, through the beginning of her days in a nunnery as a captive of King Edward I, also known as Longshanks. It was very interesting and well written.
Quick and easy read that really gives you a lot of information about medieval Scotland and England. Even though this is written for young readers, Yolen is able to hold the attention of adult readers through her colorful descriptions of not only the environment, but also Marjorie's emotions. This book would be a great read for readers interested in history from third grade and up.
Majorie Bruce is the only child of Earl Robert Bruce. Her father claims the kingship of Scotland, and suddenly Majorie is a princess. Being King Robert's heir makes her a target of evil King Edward Longshanks. She is captured and forced to live in an open cage on public display. She must keep her wits when Longshanks comes to her cage, or she might be killed.
Jane Yolen is a masterful story teller, and partnering with Robert Harris enhances her storytelling. The novel tells the story of Marjorie, daughter and heir to Robert Bruce. After Robert the Bruce is crowned King of Scotland, King Edward I and some of Robert Bruce's fellow countrymen wage war against him. Marjorie is captured by Edward's men and held captive in a cage in the middle of a priory's courtyard in England. The novel is told in chapters that juxtapose time from before Marjorie was cap...more
This book takes place in 14th century in England and Scotland - volatile relationship between two regions during that time. It tells a story about a daughter of Robert the Bruce of Scotland named Marjorie who is captured and incarnated by King Edward I (Longshanks) of England. The treatment she receives is brutal - first twenty days outside in the cage in Berwick, England. The story also includes the life and relationship between Marjorie and her family - uncles, aunts, step-mother, father, and...more
I really love stories about Scotland, probably because I want to live there someday. I also love stories about medieval ages and stories that talk about or imagine what would have or what did happen to Kings, Queens, Princesses, and Princes during those times. So thank you Jane Yolen again for bringing these old stories to life again!
An interesting read. I loved the dedication and growth of this young girl as she faces so many trials and situations because of her birth. It made me think about how we are all placed in certain situations just by our birth--be it a certain family or country--and we need to find something to believe in and stick to it no matter what. Just living life requires courage, and sometimes a few are called upon to give just a little more! A quick read.
Marjorie (11yr) is the daughter of the King of Scotland. Rober Bruce (1306) and in the struggle for independence from England. She is captured & kept in a cage for public display & ridiculed by King Edward (Longshanks). Jo keeps up a dialy battle of wits w/King Edward to show her pride in being princess. great
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Yolen was born at Beth Israel Hospital, the first child of Isabel Berlin and Will Hyatt Yolen. She and her family moved to California when she was young but returned to New York a few years later. After her younger brother was born, her father joined the army and served on the European front during WWII. Yolen spent her childhood taking piano lessons, ballet dancing and writing a neighborhood news...more
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