A parent might reach for this book when their child is fascinated by history or is exploring questions of identity and truth. The Player King is a gripping historical novel about Lambert Simnel, a real orphan boy in 15th century England who is plucked from obscurity and trained to impersonate a long-lost prince. Forced into a dangerous political plot to overthrow King Henry VII, Lambert must navigate a world of lies where he's not sure who to trust, or even who he really is. This story is an excellent entry point into complex themes like manipulation, self-confidence, and the difference between the role you play and the person you are. For readers aged 9 to 13, it offers a thrilling mystery and a poignant look at a boy searching for belonging in a turbulent world.
The main character is an orphan who is manipulated and used by the adults in his life.
Moral AmbiguityModerate
The protagonist's mentors use lies and deception for what they believe is a noble cause.
Sensitive Topics
The book's core deals with identity, specifically the manipulation and forced adoption of a false one. Lambert is an orphan, a status that makes him vulnerable. The approach is secular and historical. The book deals directly with the emotional toll of being used by adults for political gain. The resolution is realistic rather than a fairytale ending: Lambert survives, is shown mercy by the king, but is demoted to a servant. This ending is hopeful in its promise of safety but also grounded in historical reality.
Ideal Reader
This is for the thoughtful 10 to 13-year-old who enjoys historical fiction, suspense, and stories that challenge them to think. It's perfect for a child starting to grapple with complex ideas like truth, manipulation, and selfhood, or one who feels like they are being pushed into a role they didn't choose.
Parent Prep
No significant prep is needed, as Avi provides necessary historical context within the narrative. A parent might want to preview the final chapters to prepare for a discussion about the king's decision regarding Lambert's fate. It's a great opportunity to talk about concepts like mercy, justice, and power. A parent notices their child questioning who they are or expressing frustration about adults making decisions for them. The child might say something like, "It feels like I'm just playing a part," or shows a burgeoning interest in history, royalty, and stories of deception.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will be captivated by the adventure and suspense: a poor boy gets to live as a prince. They will connect with Lambert's fear and confusion. An older reader (11-13) will more deeply appreciate the psychological complexity, the themes of identity and manipulation, and the novel's commentary on how history is shaped by powerful people using others as pawns.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many middle-grade historical adventures, this book is an intimate character study based on a real, obscure historical event. Its strength is its first-person narration, which places the reader directly inside the mind of a boy being systematically stripped of his identity. The focus is less on swashbuckling action and more on the internal, psychological drama of the deception.
Read plot summary
In 1486 England, a lonely ten-year-old orphan named Lambert Simnel is purchased by a mysterious priest, Father Symonds. Lambert is told he is actually Prince Edward, a rightful heir to the throne, and is rigorously trained to play the part. He becomes the face of a rebellion against the reigning monarch, King Henry VII. Thrust into a world of political intrigue and danger, Lambert internally battles with his true identity, the lies he is forced to tell, and his role as a pawn in a game far bigger than himself. The story culminates in a historic battle that will decide his fate and England's future.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Father Symonds believes he is saving England by putting a 'true' king on the throne. Do you think his goal makes his methods (lying, using a child) okay? Why or why not?
2
Throughout the book, Lambert struggles with whether he is Lambert or Prince Edward. At what point, if any, do you think he starts to believe the lie? What does he decide about his true self in the end?
3
When King Henry VII captures Lambert, he pardons him and gives him a job as a servant in the kitchens. Do you think this was a just punishment, a merciful one, or something else? What would have been a different outcome?
4
Lambert often feels like he has no choices. Can you find a moment in the story where he does make a choice for himself, even a small one? How did it affect what happened next?
