In the Days of Queen Victoria

by Eva March Tappan

Eva March Tappan was a teacher and American author born in Blackstone, Massachusetts, she graduated from Vassar College in 1875 receiving graduate degrees in English Literature from the University of Pennsylvania. In The Days of Queen Victoria is the story of Queen Victoria, the woman who became queen at eighteen and for nearly 64 years wore the crown of Great Britain.

Genres: Biography, Childrens, Nonfiction, History

156 pages, Paperback

First published August 14, 1903

About the author

Eva March Tappan was a teacher and American author born in Blackstone, Massachusetts, the only child of Reverend Edmund March Tappan and Lucretia Logée. Eva graduated from Vassar College in 1875. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and an editor of the Vassar Miscellany. After leaving Vassar she began teaching at Wheaton College where she taught Latin and German from 1875 until 1880. From 1884–94 she was the Associate Principal at the Raymond Academy in Camden, New Jersey. She received graduate degrees in English Literature from the University of Pennsylvania. Tappan was the head of the English department at the English High School at Worcester, Massachusetts. She began her literary career writing about famous characters in history and developed an interest in writing children books. Tappan never married.

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

My 10/11 year old enjoyed this more than I did. While I learned a lot, biographies that are written as if all the main characters are saints really annoy me. When we study this time in history again, I will choose a more modern (and hopefully more balanced) biography.

[Hilary Forrest · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was our read aloud for history that ended up taking the entire school year. It definitely seemed to be thorough in presenting Queen Victoria's life for the student. It presented a VERY rosy picture almost as if she never did anything wrong. If I had more time in my life (!) I would be curious to read more about her life, but for now I am happy with what I read to the kids this year.

[Matthew Ewoldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great source of leadership lessons and tips for all those holding positions in both government and business. By following Queen Victoria's stance on her relationship to British citizens and her government, leaders can overcome a sense of entitlement that leads to corruption and failure on both a personal and systemic basis.

[Angel Pickard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I felt that the story was being largely and unapologetically romanticized and sanitized, it was very enjoyable and seemed closely aligned with the portrayal in “Young Victoria.” It was informative and a pleasant read

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars A lovely introduction to Queen Victoria for young readers.

[Catherine Gillespie · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the Days of Queen Victoria presented an interesting (and very tame) counterpoint to the grown-up narratives I read on this monarch recently. I think the book was really strong in its storytelling about Victoria’s childhood, but it did peter out at the end. It makes sense to gloss over some of the less savory aspects of Victoria’s life and reign in a book intended for children, but in some instances I felt the book went a bit too far in gilding the truth. However, we did really enjoy the beginning part, and as we read the final pages about Victoria’s funeral, we listened to a YouTube video of bagpipers playing the Lament of the Black Watch, which added tons of atmosphere I must say. This book is free on Kindle, but may be available in hard copy at your library.

Get more recommendations for great kids chapter book read alouds on A Spirited Mind

[Renae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great history book