This is a wonderful little series, giving young teens an in-depth introduction to both famous people and important historical events. In this book the reader follows the short, tragic life of Jane Grey from the age of ten when she is given a diary to write in. Her courage and bravery is apparent as she becomes an unwilling pawn in the hands of greedy, powerful men, and to the end she remains steadfast in her religious beliefs. An interesting read. ( )

This entire series is a wonderful way to learn history or teach it to adolescents. I find today's generations seem to recall more when they learn through other people (pop songs, celebrity gossip, etc.), so what better way to teach history than through someone else's perspective? Yes, "authentic" diaries would be "better", but would the language really hold the modern student's attention? Did the diary writer know what WOULD be important in the context of history? Probably not.