Review: GOOD QUEEN BESS: THE STORY OF ELIZABETH I OF ENGLAND, Genre 5, Historical Fiction & Biography

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY Stanley, Diane and Peter Vennema. 1990. GOOD QUEEN BESS: THE STORY OF ELIZABETH I OF ENGLAND. Ill. By Diane Stanley. New York, NY: four Winds Press. ISBN 0027868109 2. PLOT SUMMARY This picture book is the complete biography of Elizabeth I of England. 3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS Accuracy The book includes a bibliography at the end which shows that research was done in the writing of this book. There is also information on the back jacket which gives information about the authors, Diane Stanley and Peter Vennema. This information gives reliability to the authors. The information states that they have written other biographies which have been endorsed by reliable sources such as the New York Times Book Review and the American Library Association. Organization The book begins with an authors note which gives background information on the religious movement of the time. This information helps the reader to understand the biography. This book is organized chronologically, it tells about the life of Elizabeth I of England, from birth to death. The book is interesting. It begins with information on Elizabeth’s father, King Henry VIII, whom went through six wives trying to have a son. He was successful in that he had one son but unfortunately this son died at the young age of 12. The biography tells of how Elizabeth came to rule and what type of ruler she was. She was brilliant and loved by her country. “Elizabeth turned what should have been a weakness into an asset. Because she was a beautiful young queen, and an unmarried queen at that, all her court-and all the country- were half in love with her. Her court was a lively one, with everyone striving to outdo one another with elaborate clothes and jewels. The men even dyed their beards purple or orange to match their coats. There were tournaments, festivals, and dances. And Elizabeth always came to them gorgeously dressed, making a point of showing herself among her people.” Design The book is very attractive. The text is readable and is complimented by illustrations on each page. The illustrations are paintings which reflect the art of the times. The illustrations also show the reader how the people lived in these times. The lavish lifestyle is shown. The artwork depicts extravagant dress, bountiful processions, and beautifully furnished castles with huge manicured lawns. Maps and battle illustrations help with the comprehension of the story. Style This picture book is very interesting and includes many facts. Readers will be awed at the life of Elizabeth I. She was an incredible woman for her time. She reined with intelligence, “Elizabeth knew that France and Spain, both powerful countries, were a real threat to England. She must somehow keep them from uniting against her, for her army was week and the royal treasury nearly bankrupt. But this challenge suited Elizabeth perfectly, for it was her style to use her wits rather than force. She knew how much she could gain by stalling, changing her mind, and playing one side against the other. It helped that she did her dealing with foreign ambassadors herself, as she spoke their languages. Through clever and subtle manipulation, she managed to keep England out of war for twenty-seven years.” This book illustrates the capableness of a woman, Queen Elizabeth I. It shows that women can and do succeed despite incredible odds. 4. REVIEW EXCERPTS From Publishers Weekly - Describing the conflict between Catholics and Protestants, the authors lay the groundwork for Queen Elizabeth's greatest challenges: stopping the bloodshed and uniting her country under one faith, and keeping the peace with the rest of Europe. Intricate artwork conveys the delicate lace and accoutrements of court dress, patterned ceilings and cobblestone streets. From School Library Journal - The text is clearly written, explaining the main events and key decisions of Elizabeth's life and reign. For readers wanting more depth, a short bibliography of mostly adult titles ends the book 5. CONNECTIONS * This book can be used in a study of strong women leaders. * Compare Elizabeth to other famous leaders of the time. * This book can be used to supplement a historic study of the Elizabethan era. * This book can be used in a writing class to illustrate biography, students can write biographies or their own autobiographies.