About This Book
Reach for this book when your teen is grappling with the heavy pressure of social expectations or feeling isolated within their own 'inner circle' during a time of crisis. This historical fiction novel follows Mary Queen of Scots as she navigates the French court while a plague ravages the land. It explores the tension between duty and personal safety, as well as the anxiety that comes with knowing your future is being decided by forces beyond your control. While the setting is 16th-century France, the emotional core resonates with any young adult feeling the weight of a 'reputation' or the fear of an uncertain future. It is a sophisticated read for ages 12 to 17, blending historical drama with suspenseful, supernatural elements. Parents will appreciate how it opens doors to discuss responsibility, the ethics of privilege during a crisis, and how to maintain loyalty to friends when stakes are life and death.
