Elizabeth I, the People's Queen: Her Life and Times, 21 Activities

by Kerrie Logan Hollihan

Queen Elizabeth I learned to trust no one. Even before Elizabeth was crowned queen at the age of 25, her mother, Anne Boleyn, had been executed for treason by her father, King Henry VIII. She was then removed from the royal line of succession and later imprisoned in the Tower of London, accused of plotting to overthrow her sister, Queen Mary. Yet despite all the challenges to her power, she became a hero of the Church of England in a century when Catholics and Protestants burned one another at the stake, she spoke five languages in a day when few women were taught to read, and she led a nation where men proclaimed that women had no right to take part in public life. During Elizabeth’s 45-year reign, English literature, theater, music, and culture flourished. And, after her navy defeated the Spanish armada, England’s military power made the once tiny kingdom into a chief player among Europe’s nations.             This lively biography of one of England’s greatest monarchs includes a time line, online resources, and 21 activities to offer readers hands-on experiences with life in the Elizabethan Era.             Kids can create costumes for the queen’s court, including a knight’s helmet, a neck ruff, and a cloak, play and sing a madrigal, create a 3-D map of an Elizabethan town, stitch a blackwork flower, design a family coat of arms, play a game of Nine Men’s Morris, grow a knot garden, and much more.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Brietta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book was written for middle grade / YA readers, I thoroughly enjoyed it and devoured it in two days! I knew quite a bit about Queen Elizabeth I, but this book filled in the empty spaces without droning on or becoming too dry as history books are apt to do. What I especially loved are all the activities they have interspersed throughout the book to help the Elizabethan era come alive for young readers. I'm going to photo copy the recipes for making marzipan and pomanders and try them out!

[Harry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author does a wonderful job of presenting the history of England during the 16h Century in a highly clear and understandable manner. This coupled with fabulous illustrations and 21 activities makes this book a winner for the young adult as well as adult reader. It covers the highlights of the 1600s, including the succession to the throne, the rivalry with Mary Queen of Scots, William Shakespeare and the Spanish Armada. What is most prominent is the internecine battle between Catholics and Protestants which caused so much death and destruction.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed learning about the People's Queen.

[Skye Elder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped me learn a lot about queen Elizabeth the first. Definitely recommend reading if you want to learn more about her and her time as queen.

[Sherry Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth I, The People's Queen, is a well-documented biography of one of the most famous figures in English history. The world of Elizabeth was frought with turmoil. It was a time of bitter fighting between Pretestants and Catholics. Elizabeth was alsways on the watch for traitors and those who wished to end her life.

Author Kerrie Logan Hollihan, does a wonderful job in not only presenting the facts, but also giving readers a real sense of what it was like to live in those times. As expected, there is a lot of information about Elizabeth. There is also information about other historical figures such as William Shakespeare, Mary, Queen of Scots, Henry VIII, Frances Drake, and Walter Raleigh. Ms. Hollihan is very thorough in providing the full picture of England during the Elizabethan period.

Other interesting features in the book include the 21 activities that kids can try at home. My personal favorites are growing a knot garden and stitching a blackwork flower. The book has numerous photographs which give an excellent visual picture of the people and events of the time.

Elizabeth I, the People's Queen, is an excellent resource for teachers and students who wish to learn about the life and times of Queen Elizabeth I. I highly recommend it.

[Diana Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well-researched book brings the fascinating Elizabeth I to life with lively writing, fascinating anecdotes, and engaging visuals. Kerrie Logan Hollihan takes readers back in time, giving them a real feel for Elizabethan life and a clear understanding of historical events. Kids will find the activities fun, but teachers and parents will appreciate their educational value. I highly recommend this wonderful biography!

[Selah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The kids and I are thrilled to be done with this one! The info is good and probably well written for young teens (junior high age) but it's too long and dry for elementary age students. Also, the word bastard is used repeatedly and, while it was used in its correct way, it's not a word I want to teach a 2nd grader.