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Christian Biographies for Young Readers
Lady Jane Grey
Living only until her execution at age 17, and ruling England for less than two weeks, Lady Jane Grey is still remembered for her intelligence and steadfast defense of the gospel. Declared by the dying (Protestant) King Edward as his successor to the throne- -instead of his half-sister Mary, as his father's will decreed - -his quick decision caused confusion for Jane's succession, which was quickly overcome by Mary's gathering forces and Naval support.
This fascinating children's biography features full-page original illustrations, photographs of places she lived, and easy-to-understand text that conveys the gospel-values that Lady Jane held dear. The biography is based on documented facts and avoids the unsubstantiated myths that have woven themselves around Jane (such as the story of the cruel parents). 64 pages, hardcover.
This fascinating children's biography features full-page original illustrations, photographs of places she lived, and easy-to-understand text that conveys the gospel-values that Lady Jane held dear. The biography is based on documented facts and avoids the unsubstantiated myths that have woven themselves around Jane (such as the story of the cruel parents). 64 pages, hardcover.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2012
1 person is currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Simonetta Carr
34 books132 followersSimonetta Carr was born in Italy and has lived and worked in different cultures. A former elementary school teacher, she has home-schooled her eight children for many years. She has written for newspapers and magazines around the world and has translated the works of several authors into Italian. Presently, she lives in San Diego with her husband Thomas and family. She is a member and Sunday School teacher at Christ United Reformed Church.
Awards - First prize (Best Biography) in the 2014 San Diego Book Awards Association (see book Anselm of Canterbury)
First Prize Athanatos Ministries - Best children's book (see book Anselm of Canterbury)
Awards - First prize (Best Biography) in the 2014 San Diego Book Awards Association (see book Anselm of Canterbury)
First Prize Athanatos Ministries - Best children's book (see book Anselm of Canterbury)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 7, 2021
Simonetta Carr does a good job giving an overview of the short life of Lady Jane Grey in a simple, engaging manner. The illustrations are well done and make the story come alive for readers. Carr provides helpful maps that illustrate London during Lady Jane’s life as well as photos of the modern-day ruins of places she would have been familiar with—these help readers realize that Lady Jane is not just a fictional character, but a real woman who lived and died.
I will say that this book loses sight of a target audience. It is a bit too complex for young readers (the targeted age range listed on the back of the book is 7–12 years old), but it is too simple for older readers. For this reason, I almost gave the book three stars, but I enjoyed it enough that I would read others in the series, so I bumped it back up to four stars.
In a book of this nature, it is difficult to pare down the material for a specific audience. As a result, the book assumes young readers already know about some difficult historical issues, such as the tension between Catholics and Protestants in England during the Reformation, as well as figures briefly mentioned without much explanation (such as Anne Askew and Henry Bullinger). Her introduction to the book does provide some helpful historical background for young readers and probably matches the level of the intended audience, though parents will still need to give some extra explanation. At the same time, it glosses over other difficulties that older readers would be able to handle, such as Lady Jane’s parents’ ambition, as well her rocky relationship with Guildford.
I do appreciate the additional historical information provided at the end of the book—these details help make the time period come alive for readers of all ages. Jane’s letter to her sister is also a good inclusion, giving the reader a sense of her passion for Christ.
On the whole, the book provides a good starting point to talk about complex issues with young readers through a well-told story. Anyone can enjoy it, although younger readers will need some help understanding the background while older readers may want more details.
I will say that this book loses sight of a target audience. It is a bit too complex for young readers (the targeted age range listed on the back of the book is 7–12 years old), but it is too simple for older readers. For this reason, I almost gave the book three stars, but I enjoyed it enough that I would read others in the series, so I bumped it back up to four stars.
In a book of this nature, it is difficult to pare down the material for a specific audience. As a result, the book assumes young readers already know about some difficult historical issues, such as the tension between Catholics and Protestants in England during the Reformation, as well as figures briefly mentioned without much explanation (such as Anne Askew and Henry Bullinger). Her introduction to the book does provide some helpful historical background for young readers and probably matches the level of the intended audience, though parents will still need to give some extra explanation. At the same time, it glosses over other difficulties that older readers would be able to handle, such as Lady Jane’s parents’ ambition, as well her rocky relationship with Guildford.
I do appreciate the additional historical information provided at the end of the book—these details help make the time period come alive for readers of all ages. Jane’s letter to her sister is also a good inclusion, giving the reader a sense of her passion for Christ.
On the whole, the book provides a good starting point to talk about complex issues with young readers through a well-told story. Anyone can enjoy it, although younger readers will need some help understanding the background while older readers may want more details.
September 2, 2024
8/31/2024 * 3.5 - 4 stars
Read this because I was thinking about getting it (or one/some of the author's other children's books) for my nephews kids. I think they're too young for it now but I'll probably buy them a copy in a few years.
Read this because I was thinking about getting it (or one/some of the author's other children's books) for my nephews kids. I think they're too young for it now but I'll probably buy them a copy in a few years.
May 18, 2022
Excelente!
August 23, 2017
I have read the story of Lady Jane Grey Dudley a couple of times by other authors and this one is my favorite, very well done. You can learn a lot from some children's books.
This book includes well done illustrations, pictures of people in the narrative, and pictures of the places mentioned.
It does not include A Certain Communication, which is a communication between her and Master Feckenham before her execution. Reading that communication would be a good addition to reading the book.
This book includes well done illustrations, pictures of people in the narrative, and pictures of the places mentioned.
It does not include A Certain Communication, which is a communication between her and Master Feckenham before her execution. Reading that communication would be a good addition to reading the book.
April 6, 2022
Picked this up ages ago upon the recommendation of another homeschool mom, and I finally sat down and read it to the girls today as we hit Lady Jane in our history studies.
This really hit the sweet spot of detail and interest for my 3rd, 5th, and 7th graders. Told from a Protestant perspective, but without just attacking all Catholics. My girls were very moved by Jane's life and death.
This really hit the sweet spot of detail and interest for my 3rd, 5th, and 7th graders. Told from a Protestant perspective, but without just attacking all Catholics. My girls were very moved by Jane's life and death.
January 3, 2021
Terrific biography for children of one of the most well known martyr's in Protestant Reformation history. A great balance in tone of the faithfulness of Lady Jane Grey and the somberness of her earthly fate.
November 22, 2020
A great overview of Lady Jane Grey. This book is an excellent addition to the many books I've read with my Children in our ongoing study of Christendom.
January 10, 2022
Lovely children's book on a woman of the faith. I love the primary sources quoted throughout.
April 27, 2023
Very good.
January 26, 2024
This is a great book for kids to introduce them to people of faith in the past. A lot has been written about Lady Jane Grey, but few emphasize her faith.
July 13, 2024
Such an interesting story to learn about the life of Lady Jane Grey
April 16, 2025
4th grade. Great read!
May 17, 2013
Another excellent biography for children aged seven to ten! Although Mrs. Carr has written four other titles in the Christian Biographies for Young Readers series, this is the first book in the series that is about a female, Lady Jane Grey.
For those who are unfamiliar with Mrs. Carr's biographies, the Christian Biographies for Young Readers "...series introduces children to important people in the Christian tradition..." and goes "beyond the simple story of someone's life by teaching young readers the historical and theological relevance of each character." (From the series introduction)
Those who are familiar with these biographies will be delighted to know that Mrs. Carr's work continues to be characterized by a commitment to careful research. Lady Jane Grey features well-chosen, interesting photographs and artwork which aide in bringing history alive and "making it real" for the reader. Additionally, Mrs. Carr includes useful maps and a timeline to assist young people in putting details into their proper geographical and historical perspectives. Furthermore, she continues to write with a careful simplicity that enables young readers to understand what is occurring without "dumbing concepts down" unnecessarily. Most importantly, Mrs. Carr is committed to Biblical truth and communicating the Gospel to her readers.
Many significant lessons can be learned from the short life of Lady Jane Grey. Among these are:
* the importance of "counting the cost" of following Christ (Luke 14:25-33) - Reminiscent of the saints who "...were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life" (Hebrews 11:35 ESV), Lady Jane "...wrote to her sister that she rejoiced because she knew that she would soon 'lose a mortal life' to 'win an immortal life' (pg. 51);
* the importance of being like the noble Bereans who "...received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so"(Acts 17:11, ESV) rather than merely trusting the words of men - Lady Jane said, "I ground my faith on God's Word and not upon the church" (pg. 50);
* salvation in Christ alone - Upon her execution, Lady Jane said, "...I look to be saved by none other means but only by the mercy of God and the merits of the blood of His only Son Jesus Christ" (pg. 52).
Just as we see throughout Scripture and all of history in the lives of those believers who have gone before us, God's work in Lady Jane's life resulted in her faithfulness in the midst of challenging circumstances. May we be encouraged with the thought that "...the same God who preserved and strengthened Jane's faith until the end will do the same for all His children" (pg 54). Simonetta Carr's work is a helpful means to that end, and I highly commend it to you!
*Many thanks to Simonetta Carr and Reformation Heritage Books for providing me with a complimentary copy of Lady Jane Grey in exchange for my honest opinion!
For those who are unfamiliar with Mrs. Carr's biographies, the Christian Biographies for Young Readers "...series introduces children to important people in the Christian tradition..." and goes "beyond the simple story of someone's life by teaching young readers the historical and theological relevance of each character." (From the series introduction)
Those who are familiar with these biographies will be delighted to know that Mrs. Carr's work continues to be characterized by a commitment to careful research. Lady Jane Grey features well-chosen, interesting photographs and artwork which aide in bringing history alive and "making it real" for the reader. Additionally, Mrs. Carr includes useful maps and a timeline to assist young people in putting details into their proper geographical and historical perspectives. Furthermore, she continues to write with a careful simplicity that enables young readers to understand what is occurring without "dumbing concepts down" unnecessarily. Most importantly, Mrs. Carr is committed to Biblical truth and communicating the Gospel to her readers.
Many significant lessons can be learned from the short life of Lady Jane Grey. Among these are:
* the importance of "counting the cost" of following Christ (Luke 14:25-33) - Reminiscent of the saints who "...were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life" (Hebrews 11:35 ESV), Lady Jane "...wrote to her sister that she rejoiced because she knew that she would soon 'lose a mortal life' to 'win an immortal life' (pg. 51);
* the importance of being like the noble Bereans who "...received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so"(Acts 17:11, ESV) rather than merely trusting the words of men - Lady Jane said, "I ground my faith on God's Word and not upon the church" (pg. 50);
* salvation in Christ alone - Upon her execution, Lady Jane said, "...I look to be saved by none other means but only by the mercy of God and the merits of the blood of His only Son Jesus Christ" (pg. 52).
Just as we see throughout Scripture and all of history in the lives of those believers who have gone before us, God's work in Lady Jane's life resulted in her faithfulness in the midst of challenging circumstances. May we be encouraged with the thought that "...the same God who preserved and strengthened Jane's faith until the end will do the same for all His children" (pg 54). Simonetta Carr's work is a helpful means to that end, and I highly commend it to you!
*Many thanks to Simonetta Carr and Reformation Heritage Books for providing me with a complimentary copy of Lady Jane Grey in exchange for my honest opinion!
August 9, 2012
I don’t remember having heard the story of Lady Jane Grey, so when I picked up Simonetta Carr’s most recent addition to the “Christian Biographies for Young Readers” series I was covering new territory. I was not disappointed. Jane Grey’s life story is truly inspiring, even though her life was tragically cut short. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
Since parents are the likely readers of my review, I’ll risk some spoilers. Jane Grey was in England’s royal family, during the time of Henry the VIII. When Henry’s son Edward was dying, he named Jane Grey to be his heir — in hopes of spoiling his step-sister Mary’s chances at the throne. But more than mere political intrigue was involved here. It was Grey’s strong evangelical Christian testimony which moved Edward to select her. And Mary was destined to become known as “bloody Mary,” in her zeal to purge England of Protestant opposition to Roman Catholicism. Lady Jane Grey, who never asked or wanted to become queeen, ruled for less than two weeks, and after a lengthy imprisonment, was eventually put to death as Mary moved to secure her rights to the throne.
Jane Grey and her Christian testimony, shine through in this bright and colorful book for kids. Like always, Simonetta Carr has done her homework and provides a factual account of Grey’s life. She shares the touching last moments of Grey’s life–her preparations for death, and the full text of a letter written to her sister, encouraging her in the faith, just hours before Jane was to become a martyr. Carr captures the uncertainty of the story and illumines it with historical detail that bring seventeenth Century England to life, for today’s children.
Illustrator Matt Abraxas outdoes himself in providing rich and vivid drawings, detailed maps, portraits, pictures and other artwork which will make flipping through the pages of this book a joy for parent and child alike. Inquiring young minds will enjoy the timeline provided and an assortment of fascinating facts from her era. The rest of the story, when it comes to religious freedom in England, is also provided.
Once again, Carr has given us a masterpiece. This book will educate and delight young readers, and it will challenge and inspire both them and their parents to live for Christ. As a father of six children, I appreciate books like this that can inform and shape my children’s impressionable minds. This book will find a special place in our home.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Reformation Heritage Books. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
Since parents are the likely readers of my review, I’ll risk some spoilers. Jane Grey was in England’s royal family, during the time of Henry the VIII. When Henry’s son Edward was dying, he named Jane Grey to be his heir — in hopes of spoiling his step-sister Mary’s chances at the throne. But more than mere political intrigue was involved here. It was Grey’s strong evangelical Christian testimony which moved Edward to select her. And Mary was destined to become known as “bloody Mary,” in her zeal to purge England of Protestant opposition to Roman Catholicism. Lady Jane Grey, who never asked or wanted to become queeen, ruled for less than two weeks, and after a lengthy imprisonment, was eventually put to death as Mary moved to secure her rights to the throne.
Jane Grey and her Christian testimony, shine through in this bright and colorful book for kids. Like always, Simonetta Carr has done her homework and provides a factual account of Grey’s life. She shares the touching last moments of Grey’s life–her preparations for death, and the full text of a letter written to her sister, encouraging her in the faith, just hours before Jane was to become a martyr. Carr captures the uncertainty of the story and illumines it with historical detail that bring seventeenth Century England to life, for today’s children.
Illustrator Matt Abraxas outdoes himself in providing rich and vivid drawings, detailed maps, portraits, pictures and other artwork which will make flipping through the pages of this book a joy for parent and child alike. Inquiring young minds will enjoy the timeline provided and an assortment of fascinating facts from her era. The rest of the story, when it comes to religious freedom in England, is also provided.
Once again, Carr has given us a masterpiece. This book will educate and delight young readers, and it will challenge and inspire both them and their parents to live for Christ. As a father of six children, I appreciate books like this that can inform and shape my children’s impressionable minds. This book will find a special place in our home.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Reformation Heritage Books. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
May 9, 2014
I recently purchased the whole series that this book is in because they are so well done. I love that it includes contemporary photographs of the actual places and historical paintings of the actual people whenever possible. For instance, this book has a photograph of the ruins at Bradgate House, where Jane lived as a girl and a painting of John Aylmer, her main teacher. Jane herself does not have a painting that we know of. There are also beautiful illustrations by Matt Abraxas that seem to seek to be as true to life as possible. So, for example, in the book about John Owen, Abraxas’ illustrations of Owen seem to be based on the paintings we have of him. One advantage is that this gives the opportunity to put some more cheerful expressions on their faces!
The account of Jane is pretty thorough and does a good job of setting her personal story in its historical setting. There is a map of London and England and at the end there is a timeline and some additional facts. Those who have read other books about Lady Jane Grey may be surprised at how some events are described, as was I at first. I understand from Simonetta Carr that a recent work by Eric Ives has provided new light and debunked some old myths that were commonly held concerning Jane’s life. I am in no position to say which version of Jane’s story is more accurate, though Ives’ work seems to have thoroughness and scholarship on its side, only to let you know that if things aren’t exactly the way you remembered them, the explanation is this recent research and not shoddy research.
Jane’s story is in many ways a tragic one and this book doesn’t try to hide the tragedy, but it manages to be sobering without being depressing and I think it is told in a way that is suitable for children the ages listed on the back of the book: 7-12. I think even adults who want a short and easy to read introduction to Lady Jane Grey, or any of the other people in the series, would find this a profitable book.
This book could probably be read in about 30 minutes, but it is divided into 5 chapters so it could also easily be read in shorter sections of time over several days. In the end, I am so thankful to Simonetta Carr for providing us with such well-done books, so much so that I bought them all!
The account of Jane is pretty thorough and does a good job of setting her personal story in its historical setting. There is a map of London and England and at the end there is a timeline and some additional facts. Those who have read other books about Lady Jane Grey may be surprised at how some events are described, as was I at first. I understand from Simonetta Carr that a recent work by Eric Ives has provided new light and debunked some old myths that were commonly held concerning Jane’s life. I am in no position to say which version of Jane’s story is more accurate, though Ives’ work seems to have thoroughness and scholarship on its side, only to let you know that if things aren’t exactly the way you remembered them, the explanation is this recent research and not shoddy research.
Jane’s story is in many ways a tragic one and this book doesn’t try to hide the tragedy, but it manages to be sobering without being depressing and I think it is told in a way that is suitable for children the ages listed on the back of the book: 7-12. I think even adults who want a short and easy to read introduction to Lady Jane Grey, or any of the other people in the series, would find this a profitable book.
This book could probably be read in about 30 minutes, but it is divided into 5 chapters so it could also easily be read in shorter sections of time over several days. In the end, I am so thankful to Simonetta Carr for providing us with such well-done books, so much so that I bought them all!
August 1, 2018
This is the story of a young woman, caught up in turbulent times. She seeks to obey the LORD, yet her life ends at a tender age. Her story illuminates the workings of God in her own heart, as well as how God has worked throughout history.
This rendition is another excellent contribution to the Christian Biographies for Young Readers series by Simonetta Carr. The time period is rife with religious and political intrigues as emerging Protestantism and dominate Catholicism seek the upper hand in England after the death of the powerful and enduring Henry the VIII. It is a turbulent time in the English Reformation that Carr captures well. Her simple and straightforward articulation fit in well in our home school studies of church history.
The color illustrations are engaging, supplement the story well, and add interest to the work. It is clear as the series goes on that getting photographs of artifacts and locations(a prominent and welcome feature of some previous works) is a challenge, but this book has been laid out such that it is not a detriment. Historic paintings of key individuals and locations are nicely interwoven with vibrant new contributions.
Please don't make the mistake of thinking this beautiful book is merely for homeschoolers! The text, history and illustrations make for a lovely addition to any home library that seeks to know the history of the Christian church, and this format is highly approachable for all ages. One of the things I love about the series is that Carr does not talk down to children, obscure the real challenges faced by her subjects, or indulge in babyish illustrations. This makes her work intriguing to children as well as delightful for adults who would like to be exposed to highlights of key figures in Christian history in a single sitting. I highly recommend the entire series.
If you'd like to read the series in chronological order -- or make sure you have each excellent book! -- see the Christian Biographies for Young Readers Goodreads page, here...
https://www.goodreads.com/series/8395...
This rendition is another excellent contribution to the Christian Biographies for Young Readers series by Simonetta Carr. The time period is rife with religious and political intrigues as emerging Protestantism and dominate Catholicism seek the upper hand in England after the death of the powerful and enduring Henry the VIII. It is a turbulent time in the English Reformation that Carr captures well. Her simple and straightforward articulation fit in well in our home school studies of church history.
The color illustrations are engaging, supplement the story well, and add interest to the work. It is clear as the series goes on that getting photographs of artifacts and locations(a prominent and welcome feature of some previous works) is a challenge, but this book has been laid out such that it is not a detriment. Historic paintings of key individuals and locations are nicely interwoven with vibrant new contributions.
Please don't make the mistake of thinking this beautiful book is merely for homeschoolers! The text, history and illustrations make for a lovely addition to any home library that seeks to know the history of the Christian church, and this format is highly approachable for all ages. One of the things I love about the series is that Carr does not talk down to children, obscure the real challenges faced by her subjects, or indulge in babyish illustrations. This makes her work intriguing to children as well as delightful for adults who would like to be exposed to highlights of key figures in Christian history in a single sitting. I highly recommend the entire series.
If you'd like to read the series in chronological order -- or make sure you have each excellent book! -- see the Christian Biographies for Young Readers Goodreads page, here...
https://www.goodreads.com/series/8395...
January 18, 2013
I have read quite a few books about martyrs to my kids, and this one falls into a common pitfall while dealing with the religious turmoil in England after the Henry VIII fiasco. Kids are easily confused with the differences between Catholics and Protestants, and I have yet to read a biography written for children that breaks down the issues of that time period so they can understand. I kept having to stop reading the text to do further explanation. The book almost assumed an adult understanding, and at times was rather dry. Surely this is a complex story to tell, dealing with the Edward to Lady Jane Grey to Bloody Mary to Elizabeth the I craziness, but if you're going to write it for kids, kids have to be able to grasp it without a parent providing constant re-explanations.
April 27, 2014
Simonetta Carr's biographies for kids are excellent. This one covers some tricky ground and I had to stop and explain a little bit to the younger kids. But it was great introduction to Lady Jane Grey and made me want to read more about the time period.
December 18, 2013
Great book to read. Easy reading book for young children! Great book for young readers too. Especially for young girls to live their life for Christ!
January 8, 2013
Great introduction for children. Well done.
April 2, 2017
Sigmonetta Carr's "Christian Biographies for Young Readers" are very informative and well-written to the point they also make great reading material for adults. The accompanying illustrations by Matt Abraxas are beautiful, and every book is published on quality paper, making for a very pleasant read, or a great gift. Each biography focuses on a person who was valiant and faithful in life, as in this particular volume about the sad, but triumphant, life of Lady Jane Grey. Although born into nobility - even royalty, the circumstances of her life were controlled by others in a deadly game of power. It cost her everything but her faith. She held on to that and is remembered as one of the martyrs of the Reformation.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews