The Player King

by Avi

“Swiftly moving and utterly engrossing.” —Shelf Awareness Parents’ Choice Recommended From Newbery Award–winning author Avi comes the gripping and amazingly true tale of a boy plucked from the gutter to become the King of England.England, 1486. King Henry VII has recently snatched the English Crown and now sits on the throne, while young Prince Edward, who has a truer claim, has apparently disappeared. Meanwhile, a penniless kitchen boy named Lambert Simnel is slaving away at a tavern in Oxford—until a mysterious friar, Brother Simonds, buys Lambert from the tavern keeper and whisks him away in the dead of night. But this is nothing compared to the secret that the friar You, Lambert, are actually Prince Edward, the true King of England! With the aid of the deceitful Earl of Lincoln, Brother Simonds sets out to teach the boy how to become the rightful English king. Lambert has everything to gain and nothing to lose, or so he thinks. Yet in this dangerous battle for the throne, Lambert is not prepared for what’s to come—or for what it really means to play at being a king.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Historical, Fiction, Childrens, Young Adult, Juvenile

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2017

About the author

Avi is a pen name for Edward Irving Wortis, but he says, "The fact is, Avi is the only name I use." Born in 1937, Avi has created many fictional favorites such as The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Nothing but the Truth, and the Crispin series. His work is popular among readers young and old.

Reviews

[Jenny Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm becoming a big Avi fan. The first Avi novel that I read was The Unexpected Life of Oliver Cromwell Pitts, which I also rated four stars.

I think he does a fantastic job writing children's historical fiction. There are so many things that I love about Avi. First, I love his writing style. It reads like an accessible Dickens novel. Second, the world is vivid to the point where you feel like you're standing side-by-side with the protagonist. Third, the characters are fully developed. You get to know them, flaws and all. And fourth, emotionally, you're fully invested into the story. You feel everything the characters feel. It feels like the total pack, but I wish the stories were longer.

In my opinion, Avi is a talented writer who is completely underrated. I'd love to see him become more popular, because his talent shouldn't stay hidden.

[Lindsay · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting historical event to write about (an anonymous kitchen boy being chosen to pretend to be the rightful king) but not done very well. The writing is hard to wade through because it's a simply written book (short sentences, easy vocabulary) but the dialogue is written in somewhat period-appropriate English which would make it harder for younger readers to understand. I found it difficult to pin down who the intended audience was supposed to be.

[Jessika Caruso · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Player King Avi spins a rags-to-riches tale of a nobody kitchen boy in 15th century England, based on true people and events. Lambert Simnel is an orphan working in an underground tavern. His job is to baste the meat in its own fat. He rarely breathes fresh air and sleeps on the floor. He constantly gets told he is worthless and low. He doesn’t even know how old he is.

One day, Lambert is sent to the market to buy bread as usual. He values these errands because they are his only chance to see the light of day. He watches a group of traveling actors (players) perform a skit about King Solomon. Lambert wishes he could run away with that troupe and be a king, even if it was only pretend.

Lambert gets his wish when Brother Simonds buys him out of his current position. He takes him away from the tavern and begins training him to impersonate Prince Edward - whom many believe is the rightful king of England. Lambert is forced to go along with the plan and resents it because Brother Simonds is only in it to advance his own station. When Lambert realizes that being king beats being a scullion, he starts to excel in his training and really want to be king. But can a young boy really get away with such espionage? Can he lead an army succesfully to overthrow the current crown? Can he think for himself or only do as he is told?

This story was guttingly sad for the first third of the book, maybe even the first half. My heart went out to Lambert for all of the pain and mistreatment he went through. No child should be made to feel worthless and virtually starved. So I was definitely on Lambert’s side from the start. Then, when Brother Simonds buys Lambert, a red flashing light went off in my head: alert! What is going on here? My mind immediately went to the gutter and stereotypes of olden day priests. But thankfully this is a children’s book so nothing obscene took place. Still, the friar manipulated Lambert’s mind which was little better.

We really only get a good sense of Lambert’s thoughts because the story is told in the 1st person. I would have liked to have known about the other characters more, but that might have been boring for the intended audience. All in all, this was a fascinating book about a little-known instance in British history. I will remember Lambert for a long time.

[Carli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss for the advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I know this one was already released, but I am a little behind on my ARCs. I have not purchased this for my library yet because some of Avi’s books have not been hits with the kids lately. However, I loved this one and think that with a couple book talks, kids will too. It reminded me a little of The False Prince: a kitchen boy is purchased to pass off as the rightful ruler of England. Though he fights it, he eventually does come to believe that he is the rightful ruler. He does not count on the battle to overthrow the current ruler going awry, and finds himself in a position he never expected.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the true story about a penniless orphan who is groomed to impersonate the missing Prince Edward. Avi does a great job capturing the time period and condensing the complicated politics of the Yorks, Lancasters, and Tudors to make this a compelling story about a desperate child thrust into high stakes intrigue. Authentic first person storytelling!

[Zoe Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The ending surprised me and I enjoyed that. The voice of the main character is interesting and different. I loved the scene at the beginning where the players act out the story of King Solomon and the two women fighting over a baby. And also, it turned out the story is true, and that made it even better! Definitely glad I took the time to read it.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really solid historical fiction. All my kids, 13 down to 6, thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Eliza Fitzgerald]

Great retelling of the story about Lambert Simnel

[Jenni Heins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a real scenario from the 15th century. Riveting, quick read. Recommended to me by my non-reader son...and he read it in a day!

[Carol Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"England, 1486. King Henry VII has recently snatched the English Crown and now sits on the throne, while young Prince Edward, who has a truer claim, has apparently disappeared. Meanwhile, a penniless kitchen boy named Lambert Simnel is slaving away at a tavern in Oxford—until a mysterious friar, Brother Simonds, buys Lambert from the tavern keeper and whisks him away in the dead of night. But this is nothing compared to the secret that the friar reveals: You, Lambert, are actually Prince Edward, the true King of England!
With the aid of the deceitful Earl of Lincoln, Brother Simonds sets out to teach the boy how to become the rightful English king. Lambert has everything to gain and nothing to lose, or so he thinks. Yet in this dangerous battle for the throne, Lambert is not prepared for what’s to come—or for what it really means to play at being a king." (Taken from Avi's synopsis of the book.)
********

"If you act like a king, you will be king." Brother Simonds drills this advice into Lambert every waking moment. This motto dictates how he must bathe, wear shoes, memorize his royal lineage, and act like nobility during during an audience with the Earl of Lincoln.

Although Lambert's belly is full for the first time in his life, he longs to return to his simple life as an enslaved kitchen boy--to hear once again that he is a "nobody." But when he runs back there, believing that Simonds must be mad to think he is the rightful king, he finds that no one recognizes him with his trimmed hair and elegant clothes.

The second time Lambert escapes the guarded house where he is being trained to assume his role, he sees a "player king," a man who acting the part of a king in a play in the marketplace. Lambert realizes that he has the unique opportunity which every boy in England dreams of--he could actually be the King of England.

Although he recognizes that Brother Simonds and the Earl of Lambert are using him for their own political gains, he begins to believe, "I am Edward. Earl of Warwick. I am the true king." But it is clear to the reader that he is a boy enjoying a grand adventure.

Lambert gets more than he bargains for. He mocks Simonds who leaves him and Lambert belatedly realizes that the priest was his only friend. With allusion to "The Emperor and His New Clothes" and My Fair Lady, Earl of Lincoln and his advisor, Lowell, condescend to calling Lambert their king. But as Lowell pointedly says, "It is always better when the storyteller believes his own tale."

***********

Since Avi writes a lot of historical fiction, I assumed there was some historical foundation to this book. I was unprepared to read this on his website:

"Read the histories of the time, and he [Lambert] is barely mentioned. Indeed, just last week I saw a documentary about Henry VII and Lambert was not even cited. But Lambert—a boy—was crowned King of England (in Dublin, Ireland) and led a large invasion army into England, only to be defeated at the Battle Of Trent, the last battle of the War of the Roses. I noticed Lambert in a footnote.
Very little is known about Lambert Simnel. Where did he come from? How did he come to be crowned king? What happened to him after the battle? Certain facts are known—he did exist—but the boy…. Just who was he? What did he think of all that happened to him?
That’s what I have tried to write in The Player King.
Strictly speaking, the title should have been The Player Kings. There is more than one false king in the book.
The challenge was to write about something which is well known—except the central player, the player king—the boy known as Lambert Simnel.
The truth is, foot notes are the foot soldiers of history."

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

"But I shall tell you true: If this priest had never seen me, my life would have been very different."**

It is 1486 in Oxford, England. Henry VII is on the throne, having defeated Richard III at Bosworth Field the previous year. But Lambert Simnel knows nothing of this. Lambert is an orphan with a very tough life. He never knew his parents. He doesn't even know how old he is. His "life was worth no more than a spot of dry spit." He works at Tackley's Tavern in very dank and dark conditions, surviving on table scraps and enduring abuse from both Mr. and Mrs. Tackley. "Oxford's street dogs were better treated than I."

Lambert is resigned to the fact that this will be his fate until Brother Simonds approaches him with the simple phrase, "Boy, I know who you really are." Suddenly, Lambert is in the middle of a political intrigue. Brother Simonds buys Lambert from Tackley and takes him to a Dominican friary. Simonds then tells Lambert that he is Edward, the Earl of Warwick, the son of the Duke of Clarence and Richard III's nephew. That makes Lambert the rightful king of England. Lambert can not believe what he is hearing. "I am not the king of England. Brother Simonds is a lunatic. I must escape."

At first, Simnel is taken to John de la Pole, Earl of Lincoln, also a nephew of King Richard III. When he sees Lambert, Lincoln agrees that Brother Simonds should try to "bring back the boy's memory and manners" so that others will believe he is Edward, too. With Lincoln's blessing and money, Lambert is taught how to speak and act like a prince. And slowly, Lambert begins to think of himself as Edward.

But do these men really think Lambert is Edward? Or are they just pretending that he is so that they can use him to usurp the throne for their own purposes? Was he chosen because he was simply a boy who would "do as he was told?" Lambert is playing a dangerous game and his brash statements could get him into serious trouble. "The man who is close enough to help you up is near enough to push you down." As they move toward an encounter with Henry VII's army, Lambert begins to wonder if he really has any friends at all.

Lambert has a lively voice and the history behind the story is fascinating.

** Quotes from an Advanced Reader's Copy

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5

If you have spent any time at all reading or even looking for books for young readers then you've undoubtedly already run across the author Avi. His body of works and awards is lengthy, and deservedly so. Some of his works that I've enjoyed the most have been those that are more along a historical fiction line. The Player King fits right along in this category.

We are in England in the late 1400's. King Henry VII sits on the throne while Prince Edward, who has a stronger claim to be the king, is missing. In a tavern in Oxford, a kitchen boy by the name of Lambert Simnel is approached by a friar and told that he is actually Prince Edward, the true king of England.

Lambert is not the missing prince, but the friar, Brother Simonds, is working with the Earl of Lincoln to dethrone Henry VII and they think Lambert looks enough like Edward that if they can teach him the necessary manners and make him convincing enough, they might be able to rally support and make a claim for the throne.

Ruling a country is a lot of pressure for a young teen. Lying about being the ruler of a country is even harder and if he's caught, it will mean his death.

This book is a very quick read with short chapters and a direct plot (no subplots). Even as quick as it is, there are moments that drag a bit and once or twice I felt that we were getting story simply to make the book a little longer rather than out of necessity for the story-telling.

The best part of the book is the Author's Note at the end of the book in which Avi explains what is known about the characters and the time of this book, and what was made up for the story. It might surprise you and might well make you want to read the book a second time.

Looking for a good book? Avi's The Player King is historical fiction for the middle grader reader that should be easy to read and might fascinate many - especially the accuracy of the history.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.

[Dorine White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lambert is a young boy in 1486, who slaves away all day in a basement pub in England. He is used to the harshness of life and the pangs of hunger. That all changes when Brother Simmons begins to follow him around and purchases him from his master.

Now Lambert is brought into a real life game of life or death. He is told that he is to impersonate Prince Edward, the true king of England, and raise an army to overthrow the upstart King Henry VII, who has just killed the previous king and stolen the throne.

Turning a young kitchen boy into a nobleman is not an easy job, and Lambert trains daily until his sponsors are satisfied. He even comes to believe that he is the prince. Now, war looms, and Lambert/Prince Edward must win against King Henry or his untruths will be found out.

My Thoughts-
Amazing! And it is based on a true story, which blew my mind. It is such a classic set-up that it is perfect for a story just by telling the truth. However, AVI goes beyond that and adds attributes and characteristics to the real life people who lived through this adventure. Plus, since it is history, the reader finds out what actually happened to Lambert in the end. A total wrap-up with a solid ending.

I found this book delightful. Full of history and a look into the life of both the poor and noble during the fifteenth century. AVI is brilliant at reliving the past and putting the reader right into the middle of things. He imagines what Lambert must have felt like as he trains and eventually leads an army across Ireland and into England.

The reader can relate to the main hero at every turn, and as the tension grows, and he risks being found out, the reader is drawn deeper into the story. And, I have to say, the true ending is great! I didn't know this story from before, so I had drawn a conclusion as to what would probably happen, but history stepped in and one upped my idea. Yeah! 5 stars! This is a must read.

[Jerome · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Player King by Avi is the detailed fictional telling of a surreal event that happened in the late 1400s. Lambert Simnel was a young boy working as a scullion in Oxford, England when a friar revealed to him that he was the true King of England. At first, he didn't believe the friar, but when he was taken to the nearby Lord to be trained in etiquette and given fancy clothes, he began to suspect he actually was the King. He believed this lie until the friar let slip that he was simply a boy that had a distant resemblance to the true King, and was to be used as a pawn for the friar and his accomplices to regain their royal stature. Lambert Simnel ran away in confusion, but eventually came back when his greed and desire to become the King overcame his sense of morality. He soon came to believe the lies that he was actually the young Earl of Warwick, rightful heir to the English throne.

While the book is specifically about Lambert Simnel and his quest to become the King of England, it has deeper messages about betrayal, exploitation, identity, and lies. My favorite part of the book is how you find yourself attempting to predict what will happen next. Unlike other books, The Player King maintains a sense of dread in the reader's mind as Avi consistently delays conflict resolution until the very end. This builds a powerful sense of engagement and suspense in the story.

Throughout the book, I also felt connected to Lambert Simnel, who dearly wanted for a lie he created to be true. In fact, so much so that that he almost believed it himself. While perhaps not on the scale of royal descent, I think that everyone has tried at one time to be something they aren't to feel better about themselves, impress someone else, or get something for their own personal gain. Sometimes, people believe it so much that it becomes part of their permanent identity.

By maintaining a constant sense of unease and tension, Avi keeps you turning the pages of this short but sweet historical fiction novel.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1486, Lambert Simnel is a kitchen boy working in an English tavern when his life changes in a simple transaction—he is purchased from the tavern-keeper by a friar named Brother Simonds. The friar tells him he is not Lambert Simnel, but instead the true King of England.

After some initial rebellion, Lambert settles comfortably into his new role. He learns he is to lead an army to take back the throne from King Henry VII. What happens next is found in history books…

Avi has breathed life into this curious tale from the rise of Henry VII, and has made it accessible for middle graders. Although he lives more than five centuries ago and is about to be made King of England, readers can identify with Lambert—he is impulsive, rebellious, proud, fearful, confused, angry, and happy, just like anyone else. He tells his story as though he is letting readers share his secret.

After the build-up for most of the novel, I wish it hadn’t ended so abruptly, although I suppose Avi was constrained by history and couldn’t help that too much. I loved that Avi could take me to live in the late 15th Century for a while!

I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a largely accurate recount of actual events, this story is really interesting. I was unaware of this piece of history, so I enjoyed that aspect of the book. However, it is very brief and the characterization is lacking. The story is brief, and the author doesn’t do enough to build sympathy for Lambert. In the beginning Lambert often cries and feels badly for himself, saying he is nothing and nobody, but this is usually paired with him being rude to someone or trying to be funny after doing something wrong, which, to me, negates any sympathy I might have for his situation. Some of his behavior may appeal more to younger readers, like constantly trying to joke off bad behavior or making a scene that sends an adult falling down.

As time goes on and he begins to grow into the idea of being king and being powerful, he grows increasingly conceited and mean-spirited. He doesn’t show any gratitude toward those who have given him everything and changed his life drastically. Even in the end, his life is spared by the Bishop who found him petitioning for mercy from King Henry, but still Lambert doesn’t spare a single thought of gratitude for the man.

The prose used suits the time-period, but I see younger readers having trouble understanding it or losing interest in the story because of it, especially since the majority of the novel is slow and uneventful. The only thing that kept me interested was wondering how it might turn out for Lambert in the end.

[Yibbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here we have an interesting little riddle? We all know that truth is stranger than fiction, but what happens if you turn that strange truth into fiction? Why you get a thrilling and most memorable little story.
It’s one of the most suspenseful children’s historical fiction I’ve ever read. Avi tells the story of Lambert Simnel just as he would have experienced it so it’s all told in the first person. You get to see what it might have been like for Lambert to become king for a while. Was Lambert a dupe or a traitor? Could he have been some of both? What happens to those who play king?
The only concern I would have about giving it to a child is the number of insults, many of them quite stinging and rude, that are thrown around quite freely. They may have been period correct and not foul, but still, I would think carefully before I gave it to a young child.
I received this as a free ARC from NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books. No favorable review was required. These are my honest opinions.

[David Dunlap · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dirty young orphan named Lambert Simnel, who slaves away at the spit of a lowlife Oxford tavern, is purchased from the tavern owner and whisked away by a mysterious monk -- who informs the boy that he is to become Edward VI, the rightful King of England (in opposition to the Tudor 'usurper' Henry VII). Intensive schooling in genealogy, court practice, and etiquette follows, although young Lambert is initially resistant. The boy is taken to Dublin, where he is crowned -- and placed at the head of an invading army. Following a staggering defeat, Lambert has a final interview with King Henry...and finds himself back at the kitchen spit -- this time, at the palace of Westminster. -- Based on historical fact, this novel for younger readers is quite an adventure story, told believably from Lambert's point of view. There are a smattering of 15th century words that makes one wonder for which age group this book might be most appropriate -- but it is a rewarding reading experience, even for an adult!

[Tessa McMillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost all of Lambert Simnel’s orphaned life has been spent slaving away in a filthy tavern. This all changes when Brother Simonds buys Lambert and whisks him off to meet the Earl of Lincoln. Lambert resemblances the missing Prince Edward, true heir to the English throne. Plotting together, the two men believe they can transform Lambert into a convincing prince and use his influence to challenge the new king, Henry VII. Lambert’s intelligence drives him to slip into his new royal role. But Lambert’s newfound power makes him unwittingly bane Simonds from his presence.

In his Author Note, Avi reveals Lambert Simnel was a real person used as a false royal to challenge Henry VII. But the real beauty of Avi’s creativity comes from telling the story from Lambert’s perspective. Very little is known about the young man who played such a unique part in English history. Through Avi’s addictive writing, Lambert Simnel comes vividly to life as readers gain a glimpse of what might have been going through his head as he dramatically rose to a flicking spark of power. How would power feel to someone who has never had it? What lines would someone cross to stay alive while deceiving others? These unique perspectives still prove Avi is a master at giving historical events a fresh, new life through thought provoking narratives.

(Review found on Children's Compass Chronicle: childrenscompasschronicle.blogspot.com)

[Tyler Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do if you were an orphan, a servant in a tavern, and some priest came and told you you were royalty. It's 1486 in Oxford, England, and Lambert Simnel looks a little like the young Earl of Warwick. Two powerful men tell Lambert that he IS the missing Earl who should be king. They teach him manners and give him a crown. They even raise an army to fight King Henry VII.
What will a peasant boy do with so much power? Who are his real friends and enemies? And what life does he really want? No one ever tells Lambert the truth. But I love how he figures out each powerful grown-up's secret fears and needs. They think he is nothing so they can just use him.
But, by making him king, they are giving him power. Who will he choose to raise up or destroy? No one asked if he wanted this power. If he had a choice, what would he do?
This book is a great ride and a quick read, and it left me thinking what I would do with grown-ups kneeling at my feet. Awesome story--plus, it's true and part of history.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay. What was really interesting to me was the very end when it mentions that while the story is fiction, it is based on real events. Once I knew that, it brought a new life to the story.

The Player King is about Lambert, a kitchen boy who is recruited to learn about the royals and proclaim himself heir to the English throne. Of course, when someone comes appears claiming to be king, problems arise. Some question it, some don't like those currently in charge and are all for change, and some like the current king and are against any change. When you put all of those people together, tensions rise. Lambert quickly learns that while being king may sound like a great idea, the reality of the situation is more than he bargained for.

As I mentioned before, this book is based off of real events. I want to do some research into the real story. The fact that a young boy in the 1400s appeared out of nowhere claiming to be king, is a fascinating moment in history.

Author: Avi
Publisher: Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books
Publication Date: October 17th 2017

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

As one who has read many books by Avi, who captures eras of history very well, I was disappointed in this. OK, it happened, but does that make it interesting? Usually Avi's books have a very satisfying ending, where the character learns something about life or changes emotionally, but in this case there was nothing.

And I did not think that Lambert's transformation from kitchen boy to supposed King was very convincing. As soon as he is groomed to be "king" he turns on a dime and becomes full of himself? At the end he goes back to being a kitchen boy? Very disappointing.

At the beginning of the story, he interacts with a troop of players who go around the country playing kingly roles, and I was sure that at the end that's where he would end up, since history tells us that the uprising of these lords against Henry Tudor never went anywhere. The ending of "The true confessions of Charlotte Doyle" was so much more satisfying.

A novel should have a purpose, not just be a retelling of history.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The rightful heir to the throne of England, Prince Edward, has seemingly disappeared in 1486 London. King Henry the VII has claimed the throne after a hard fought battle with his loyal army. A plot arises between the Earl of Lincoln and friar Brother Simonds to find a young man they can convince to play the part of the missing Prince Edward. They find an orphaned kitchen boy named Lambert Simnel and begin the process of turning a street urchin into royalty. Lambert is nearly overwhelmed by the lessons in manners, royal history, rich foods and fine clothing. When he learns he will lead an army of 15,000 against Henry, Lambert begins to believe he will be the next ruler of the United Kingdom. In his heart he realizes he is nothing but a player king but his dreams reach beyond even his own imagination.

This is historical fiction based on a true story of a devious plot to pass off a naive young man as the true king. It is written for young adults but it is a good story about something I hadn't known.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never been a big fan of historical fiction but I have always made an effort to read Avi, including his works in the genre. I've yet to be disappointed by him and I sincerely don't it will ever happen. This is the story of the boy who tried, and failed, to take the throne from Henry Tudor. Well written and exceptionally researched, it is a great historical novel. The only reason I could not give it a full 5 stars is that, I believe, it will be lost on its' target audience - children. It may be a quick read but the language could be daunting to a younger audience. I would have to recommend it to a teen audience or older to be fully appreciated. I do believe that there are some kids who will thoroughly enjoy it, if only to see a young boy rise from poor orphan to king, even if does not end week. Overall, it's definitely an enjoyable read.

I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE PLAYER KING by Avi (Edward Wortis)
Can a scullery boy become King of all England? In 1486, Lambert Simnel is proclaimed Edward, Earl of Warwick and rightful king of England. This young adult book tells his tale. Written from a young boy’s point of view, the story is exciting and well told. Henry Tudor has seized the throne from his young nephew. Was Edward killed or was he allowed to escape and become a scullery boy? What of those who “taught or reminded” Lambert/Edward of all he needed to know?
Boys will love this tale of intrigue and power, fear and hope. Girls will also like this tale of poverty to great riches. Adults who like their history in tiny gulps, told with great skill, will also find this short novelization to their liking. The story is true: the fear, and joy, and intrigue is also real. Avi has won the Newbery Medal, the Yarrow Award and the Golden Kite.
5 of 5 stars for the genre

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book documents a really interesting event from British history that I'm willing to wager most 5th and 6th graders know absolutely nothing about. It's interesting getting inside Lambert's head as all of these incredible things happen to and around him. That said, Lambert lacks any real agency for himself. This is important for the story and quite true for the what actually happened, but readers who want to see heroes shaping their own stories will be disappointed.

The language that Avi uses definitely evokes the time period, but is a lot easier to wade through than the language in The Cross of Lead. The intrigue coupled with the short chapters would actually make this a decent choice for a reluctant yet capable reader.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only real flaw with this book is that the climactic episodes rampaged across the reader's view so quickly that they seemed rushed.
The idea that a 10-year-old could get drawn into such a bizarre situation is fascinating, but in a few scenes he comes across as more mature. On the other hand, knowledge of his actual age is iffy, so he might have been a couple of years older.
The real story of Lambert Simnel, if that was even his real name, was as strange as this novel makes out. For a few brief months, he was pretender to the throne of England. Afterwards, he was a faithful servant of a king he had tried to overthrow, while most of the people using him as part of their plots ended up rather worse off. It was apparently easier to forgive a 10-year-old for being used by adults in their political plotting.

[Mh Weyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this to preview another book from this author before letting my son read them. Like Crispin, by the same author, it is written with rather large, old- fashioned vocabulary which I enjoyed but which might frustrate struggling readers.
The book tells a true tale with some fictional elaboration of a boy who pretended to be rightful heir to the English throne. Uncertain at first, the character decides to embrace his role and even abuse it. He who thinks himself king, is one. He does show some signs of remorse after abasing and shaming others but I would have loved to have seen this topic more distinctly addresses. He also questions his spiritual soul and there are no answers given for that “emptiness” in this book.
But overall, I found it an interesting book with a good reminder that truth is truth no matter how play-acting is masked. Also opportunities for lessons in humility.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical fiction novel is based on true events which makes the work truly captivating. Lambert Simnel is an orphan boy working in a tavern who is secretly bought, told he is king, then quickly tutored to be prepared for his new role in life. Simnel, now Edward, Earl of Warwick, is now subject to political intrigue, new novelties and adventures and inner questions of who he is. Is he simply a player or can he truly control his own destiny?

After struggling a bit with the first chapter, the rest of the book read smoothly, was filled with intrigue and action, and will definitely appeal to kids who are captured by the wonderment of a kitchen scullion turned king. What a stretch for young imaginations!

Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC of this book in return by for honest review.

[Briana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initial: This is probably a perfectly fine lower middle grade novel, but I find it hard to go higher than three stars because the plot seems so rushed and under-developed (which, to be fair, is probably just a lower middle grade novel thing and not a fault particular to this book). However, it's hard to get behind a book that has a dramatic battle in about three pages, though I did enjoy the overarching storyline. The prose is sort of pseudo-medieval, enough to give young readers a taste of "old-timey" language without, perhaps, being too overwhelming. As someone who reads a lot of actual medieval texts, though, I found the constant use of words like "darkful" and "mightiful" more odd than anything else, even though they were in fact in use during the 1400s.