About This Book
Reach for this book when your teen is struggling with the weight of loyalty or navigating a friendship where they feel like the secondary character. It is an excellent choice for readers who feel like outsiders and are searching for a way to use their unique voice to influence a world that often overlooks them. This historical novel follows Nicola, a clever court jester who becomes the confidante of Mary, Queen of Scots, during the dangerous political shifts between France and Scotland. While it is a rich historical tapestry, its heart is a deeply relatable exploration of what it means to be a true friend in the face of inevitable change. Parents will appreciate the focus on Nicola's resilience and her refusal to be a mere bystander. The book handles the complexities of religious and political conflict with a secular, grounded perspective on human nature. It is best suited for older middle grade and high school readers who enjoy character-driven sagas with high emotional stakes.
