The Stolen One

August 1, 2009
Gr 8 Up-Intrigue, romance, and period details abound in this riveting story of Tudor England. While many novels about this time period focus on Queen Elizabeth I, Crowley has chosen to ponder a historical mysterythe fate of Mary Seymour, the daughter of Katherine Parr and Thomas Seymour, about whom virtually nothing is known. Was the orphaned child spirited away somewhere? Did she die in the plague like so many others? Told from the point of view of Katherine Bab, a country girl of unknown parentage, this novel offers a plausible scenario. Kat has always wondered who her parents were, but could never get any answers from the woman who raised her. When her caretaker dies, she uncovers what looks like a royal necklace from among the items that supposedly came with her as a baby, and she decides to go to London to find some answers. Her talent as an embroiderer gives her entry into Queen Elizabeth's court, where, surprisingly, she is chosen to be one of the queen's maids of honor. Her quest for answers about her past brings her closer to the queen and closer to danger. Readers who are ready for something more complex than Grace Cavendish's "Lady Grace Mysteries" (Delacorte) or Carolyn Meyer's "Young Royals" series (Harcourt) won't be able to put this book down. The sophisticated writing flows well, and the author does a terrific job of integrating historical details, though some previous knowledge of the era would be helpful."Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2009
Grades 8-12 Set in Elizabethan England, this novel tells of 16-year-old Kat, who has grown up in a country cottage under the care of a foster mother. After herdeath, Kat goes to London in hopes of learning her parents identities. There she is taken under the wing of Queen Elizabeth I, and soon a rumor swirls through court that Kats mother is the queen herself. The mystery of Kats past is intertwined with the always-involving question of whether her heart lies with one of the handsome rogues at court or with a young farmer back home. Interspersed with Kats first-person narration are passages froma secret journal, written years before. Though readers unfamiliar with Tudor history may find themselves lost at times, particularly in the journal entries, all becomes clear in the concluding chapters. An authors note identifies historical details that inspired the novel. Historical-fiction fans will find Kat a strong, engaging heroine and her story a compelling one.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)