Lady Jane Grey (Christian Biographies for Young Readers)

Beautiful book and good reading level. Not too simplistic nor too complex. About right for early teens. Received without any issues.

This story gives great detail to a short lived life. Well written and interesting for young readers and adults alike.

Very informative and easily understood by young readers. Am purchasing the series, little by little

Excellently done! I purchased three of the Biographies for my grandchildren and have so enjoyed reading them myself. The artwork is in keeping with the literary work. I will be purchasing more of Simonetta Carr's books.

Another excellent biography for children aged seven to ten! Although Mrs. Carr has written four other titles in the Christian Biographies for Young Readers series, this is the first book in the series that is about a female, Lady Jane Grey.For those who are unfamiliar with Mrs. Carr's biographies, the Christian Biographies for Young Readers "...series introduces children to important people in the Christian tradition..." and goes "beyond the simple story of someone's life by teaching young readers the historical and theological relevance of each character." (From the series introduction)Those who are familiar with these biographies will be delighted to know that Mrs. Carr's work continues to be characterized by a commitment to careful research. Lady Jane Grey features well-chosen, interesting photographs and artwork which aide in bringing history alive and "making it real" for the reader. Additionally, Mrs. Carr includes useful maps and a timeline to assist young people in putting details into their proper geographical and historical perspectives. Furthermore, she continues to write with a careful simplicity that enables young readers to understand what is occurring without "dumbing concepts down" unnecessarily. Most importantly, Mrs. Carr is committed to Biblical truth and communicating the Gospel to her readers.Many significant lessons can be learned from the short life of Lady Jane Grey. Among these are:* the importance of "counting the cost" of following Christ (Luke 14:25-33) - Reminiscent of the saints who "...were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life" (Hebrews 11:35 ESV), Lady Jane "...wrote to her sister that she rejoiced because she knew that she would soon 'lose a mortal life' to 'win an immortal life' (pg. 51);* the importance of being like the noble Bereans who "...received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so"(Acts 17:11, ESV) rather than merely trusting the words of men - Lady Jane said, "I ground my faith on God's Word and not upon the church" (pg. 50);* salvation in Christ alone - Upon her execution, Lady Jane said, "...I look to be saved by none other means but only by the mercy of God and the merits of the blood of His only Son Jesus Christ" (pg. 52).Just as we see throughout Scripture and all of history in the lives of those believers who have gone before us, God's work in Lady Jane's life resulted in her faithfulness in the midst of challenging circumstances. May we be encouraged with the thought that "...the same God who preserved and strengthened Jane's faith until the end will do the same for all His children" (pg 54). Simonetta Carr's work is a helpful means to that end, and I highly commend it to you!*Many thanks to Simonetta Carr and Reformation Heritage Books for providing me with a complimentary copy of Lady Jane Grey in exchange for my honest opinion!

My only complaint is that the author refers to Edward and Mary as stepbrother/stepsister when they were half siblings, not steps. It bothers me enough that I want to take whiteout and pen to fix it in my book! Other than that, this book gives a good, comprehensive look at Jane Grey and the time period she lived in. The length and writing style make it accessible for the school age crowd. It's perfect for my child's research needs (with the small correction), and the pictures help keep her interest. I especially like the copy of Jane's letter at the end--primary source!

One of the most encouraging trends in Christian children's literature is the publication of more stories that our kids will not like. If our kids like all their books in the same way they like cotton candy, cozy pajamas, and Saturday morning cartoons the church has a major problem.The first chapter of Simonetta Carr's latest, "Lady Jane Grey" seems to introduce a run-of-the-mill, happy-ending, likeable fairy-tale. As a first cousin (once removed) of England's king Edward VI, young Jane Grey was "Raised to Be Queen." As a child she received the best education and met hosts of interesting people. But as the remaining chapter titles suggest (Times of Trouble, A Heavy Crown, Prisoner, Ready to Die), Jane's life, like many true stories had an inconvenient ending. By modern standards Jane didn't live to see adulthood.That's why I applaud this publication. Jane's tragic life serves as a distilled version of the life of every Christian pilgrim. One of the best gifts we can give our children is the reality check that the Christian life is hard. The Apostle Peter reminds the elect exiles of Asia Minor that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by their brotherhood throughout the world (1 Peter 5:9). The story of Lady Jane's brief life is redeemed by her resolute trust in the God who promises that all his children will live happily ever after. In God's own words, "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you" (v. 10). This sixteenth century real-life parable of salvation through suffering is powerfully driven home by Matt Abraxas' gritty artwork which jibes perfectly with the story.Young ladies (early elementary to jr. high) especially will appreciate this fifth book in the "Christian Biographies for Young Readers" series (the first with a female main character). Still, this beautifully hardbound book, filled with photographs and historic and contemporary paintings, will appeal to most young readers. Frankly, parents who are not experts in England's Tudor period will be greatly helped by this sixty-page glimpse into a well-lived life. The entire series will almost surely remain the benchmark in its field for many years to come.Just so I'm not misunderstood, I love this story and so do my kids. We love it in the same way we love a sweaty hike up a mountain, a handful of semi-sweet granola, or a long car ride that brings us to grandma's house. It is not fun like an instant sugar buzz. But it is rewarding. We need more well-written, engaging, beautifully illustrated true stories that wake our children up from the cuddly, schmaltzy stuff typically found in elementary kids' backpacks. "Lady Jane Grey" is just such a story.