Reviews

Queen's Own Fool by Jane Yolen, Robert J. Harris

amyripley's review against another edition

Just randomly remembered this book I read as an 11 year old. Maybe I'll read it again someday.

lemon_drop's review against another edition

3.0

Fictionalized account of the turbulent young adulthood/queenship of Mary, queen of Scots as seen through the eyes of a peasant girl turned jester.

Good for those who like Ann Rinaldi or Carolyn Meyer; strong historical women rock!

psam17's review against another edition

adventurous dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

A light teenage historical fiction read 

flyingsails's review against another edition

5.0

I found this book a couple years ago, and have reread it probably once a year since. It is so good; it's almost a history of Mary I, but 'tis so much it's own original story, too, that it's never dull. I love the characters and remember them very well.

ninetreats's review against another edition

3.0

Interesting retelling of the a portion of the life of Mary, Queen of Scots. The plot bogged down a bit in the middle and didn't hold my interest. But worth reading if you have any interest in this period of Scottish history.

librarianmel's review against another edition

4.0

I enjoyed this book, even though it made me feel reaaaaally old. I remember reading Jane Yolen books when I was still in school, and now I'm an old lady.

I enjoy historical fiction about the Tudor era, so Mary Queen of Scots factors in there, but not as a main character.

This book is told in one POV, that of a young traveling performer, who joins Mary's court when she was still queen of France.

holtfan's review against another edition

3.0

Though slightly unrealistic when it comes to actual facts, the book is entertaining and a worthy read, especially if you prefer fiction.

ashwise360's review

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review

2.0

So for a YA book about Mary Queen of Scots, I suppose this is good. However, there is one huge problem.

Here's the problem. In movie trailer format.

Watch Nicola escape her evil uncle!

Thrill to Nicola's escape from her evil governess!

Discover Nicola's amazing ability to foresee the future!

Gasp as Nicola saves the Queen who should list to her fool!

Soundtrack availbe now, including the hit song, "The Perfect Mary Sue".

In other words, it would be a much better story if Nicola didn't seem to have 20/20 hindsight.

evamadera1's review against another edition

2.0

This took way too long to read. Even though it was the longest book that I have read while my students are also reading, this took much longer because I simply did not feel motivated to read. The story of Mary, Queen of Scots has been told so. many. times and from all different angles. Yolen added nothing new to the story. Instead, she fell into familiar tropes of painting Mary as completely innocent, just naive in love. (Most writers of historical fiction in this genre paint Mary as either irredeemable or innocent. It drives me nuts because no human is ever.)
I do not recommend this book at all. Most middle schoolers likely would not enjoy this book either.