★★★★★ 4
Accessible, fun, and exciting.
Format: Kindle
While this book is aimed at younger readers (it includes, for examples, expletives like "Zooks!" and "Zounds!"), I Escaped The Tower of London is a neat historical fiction novella with taught pacing that readers of all ages can enjoy. Using the real-life account of John Gerard as inspiration, the authors have created a young boy who escapes from the Tower of London while attempting to aid Princess Elizabeth during Queen Mary's reign. It's exciting, it fast-paced, and it even has a pleasant message about doing the right thing — even when the right thing is hard to do.
It's packed with a hodgepodge of images (most of them public domain, but also a few original pieces) that add to the experience. And the end includes a brief lesson on the historical figures involved. Despite the source material, you shouldn't worry if you (or your young ones) are squeamish; the main character sidesteps the torture and there's very little violence.
All in all, quite a good read. Very accessible, surprisingly fun and exciting.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2021
