*Shortlisted

Review by Hamish (Age 10)
This book is about a boy who busks on the streets in Shakespearean times and gets taken away to sing with the royal choir to sing to the queen. I didn't know the boys were taken to sing to the queen, and I also didn't know that male actors sometimes played female roles. I recommend this book to people who want a short read that gives you lots of information with a story included. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Review by Roxby, St. Cecilia’s Primary School, Year 5
The Boy Who Became Queen is a very interesting book as it shows us how children might have lived in the 1600s. The most interesting character in this book is Jack as the reader sees how Jack started as a normal boy in London and then went on to play the queen in The Midsummer Night Dream. In this book, you learn what the 1600s was like and what the people looked like by the beautiful illustrations. The plot of this book was very exciting and full of surprises. For example, I was surprised when the women grabbed Jack and took him to the place with all the other boys as this plot twist was very unexpected. What stands out in the book is the illustrations because they were very atmospheric. I would recommend this book to all fans of the theatre as well as to people who are interested in the history of London.

Reviews by Year 2 Mckenzie class
Ollie said: I liked the part when Jack became the Queen at the end of the story.
Ashley: I didn’t like the part when the lady put the boy in the hot water because it made me feel really annoyed that she was rough with him.
Levi: I like the part when he is put on the boat with the other children to go to the Queen’s celebration.
Miss Giles: I think this is a fantastic story that teaches children about some of the darker things that happen in the past like adults taking children from the streets of London to entertain them. I like it that it all worked out for young Jack in the end and he had a happy life.
River: I liked it when he was taken off the bridge so he didn’t slip off.
Elisha: I liked it when he was with the other boys. He could talk about his family with them if he needed to.
Yusuf: I liked this story.
Amelia-Grace: I liked the title of the story.
Isla-Mae: When Jack was taken from the streets it made me feel angry.
Roseanna: I think the Boy is hardworking and a supportive boy because he supports the actors in there show until he finally becomes the Queen actor himself.

Review by Yusuf, Year 5, Netley Primary School
I would say to the people reading this review that you should definitely read this book! It’s about a boy named Jack who has been kidnapped from the streets and then ends up singing for Shakespeare! He goes and sings at the Globe Theatre! When he needs a special boy to play the part of the fairy queen, Jack gets the chance to do it! It was a great story and I enjoyed it.