The Plot to Kill a Queen

Gr 4-6–A historical novel with a plucky heroine that provides plenty of knowledge of the Tudor era wrapped up in an inventive mystery with a plethora of intrigue. Emilia Bassano is living comfortably as a ward of Queen Elizabeth’s spymaster, Sir Francis, and an occasional lute player for the Queen. When she sneaks out to a playhouse, she overhears whisperings of a potentially deadly plot and knows she must tell her guardian. Emilia just thinks she is doing her duty to the crown; what she does not expect is to travel to spy on Mary, Queen of Scots, herself! Written in the format of play acts, complete with asides to the audience, Hopkinson’s novel is original with a compelling plot line and history explained at a level that kids will understand, even if at times it can seem rather didactic. Cleverly placed art throughout, including drawings and replicas of paintings and photographs, bring the era to life. A couple of points seemed rather superfluous and detract from the novel as a whole; however, there is some excellent commentary about what Emilia hopes for future generations, particularly for women.