Cute young adult book about Catherine of Aragon. Well done for what it is. ( )

I would have my 7th graders read this book for a social studies lesson because they would be learning bou world history. ( )

General Fiction/Historical Fiction, romance, drama, interest: grade 6, GLE: 7.4, 2005.

Princess Catherine of Argon is betrothed to the future King of England, Prince Arthur. But shortly after their wedding when Arthur suddenly dies, Catherine's fate is unclear. Will she return to her native Spain a widow or will she marry Arthur's brother, Henry? ( )

As a teenager, Catherine of Aragon entered into an arranged marriage with Arthur, the eldest son of King Henry VII of England. After Arthur's death, there is a second arranged marriage to Prince Henry who became England's Henry VIII. Although Henry was six years younger than Catherine, their early marriage was respectful; they both shared an intellectual curiosity for life. Catherine gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Mary, who later became Queen of England. But Catherine did not produce the desired male heir and Henry lost interest in her. As King, Henry bestowed several royal titles upon Henry Fitzroy the son of one of his several mistresses. He appeared to ignore Mary. Henry then became enamored with Ann Boleyn. He ended his marriage with Catherine who was intimidated, humiliated, and cast aside. Catherine always had the hearts of the English people;I admire her fortitude. ( )

This short novel was an interesting read, it explained the journey of Queen Catherine from Spain to England in order to marry King Henry VII's eldest son. The chapters had commentary from King Henry VIII when he was a child growing up and from Catherine's side as everything was happening. She had to go through many trials and tribulations to finally become queen. It kept me very interested in what was going to happen to Catherine next and is great for a class trying to get another perspective on the Tudors and English Monarchy in this time period, although it is fiction. ( )