A parent might reach for this book when their middle grader is fascinated by history but wants more than a dry textbook, craving a story with suspense, high stakes, and a courageous hero. "The Plot to Kill a Queen" is a historical thriller set in Elizabethan England. The story follows Emilia Bassano, a clever young lady-in-waiting who uncovers a dangerous conspiracy to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I. To save the queen, she must navigate a treacherous court of spies and secrets, deciding who to trust while risking her own life. The book masterfully explores themes of bravery in the face of fear, loyalty, and integrity. It is an excellent choice for readers aged 10 to 14 ready for a complex, page-turning mystery that brings history to vivid, thrilling life.
The threat of death is constant, and historical executions are discussed. Some minor characters die.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the threats of treason, assassination, and execution. Death is a constant, realistic peril in the historical context, though graphic violence is minimal. The approach is secular, focusing on political and personal motivations rather than religious ones. The resolution is hopeful for the protagonist but realistically acknowledges that the dangers of the era persist beyond the final page.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for a history-loving 11 to 13-year-old who devours mystery and spy novels. The ideal reader is ready for a more complex plot with political intrigue and enjoys a resourceful, intelligent protagonist who must rely on her wits. It's an excellent bridge for a child moving from straightforward adventures to more nuanced historical fiction.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold, but a brief chat about the real Queen Elizabeth I and the constant political threats she faced (e.g., from Spain, or supporters of Mary, Queen of Scots) would add valuable context. The author's note is excellent for a post-reading discussion and provides historical clarification. A parent might seek this book after their child expresses a newfound interest in royalty or European history, perhaps after a school project, and says, "I wish there were more exciting stories about real history, like a mystery or a spy story."
Age Experience
A younger reader (10-11) will likely focus on the adventure: the secret messages, the danger, and Emilia's bravery. An older reader (12-14) will better appreciate the subtle political maneuvering, the social constraints placed on women, and the complex moral weight of Emilia's decisions about trust and loyalty.
What Makes It Special
While many books about princesses and queens focus on romance or daily court life, this is a genuine political thriller for a middle-grade audience. Its choice of a real, but lesser-known, historical figure as the protagonist provides a fresh and compelling perspective from within the famous Elizabethan court, grounding the high-stakes plot with authenticity.
Read plot summary
Set in the Tudor court, the story follows young lady-in-waiting Emilia Bassano. After overhearing a secret conversation, she realizes a conspiracy is afoot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I. Emilia must carefully navigate the dangerous and deceptive world of court politics, where anyone could be a friend or a foe. She works to uncover the identities of the conspirators and find a way to warn the queen, putting her own life and position in grave danger with every step she takes.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Emilia must decide who in the court she can trust, and she doesn't always choose correctly. What clues did she miss, or what would you have done differently in her situation?
2
The story highlights the limited power women had in Tudor England. Can you think of specific moments where Emilia's gender made her mission harder? Were there any times it was an advantage?
3
At several points, Emilia could have stayed silent to protect herself but chose to act instead. What do you think was her strongest motivation for risking her life for the queen?
4
After reading the author's note about the real Emilia Bassano, how does knowing she was a real person change how you feel about the story?
