1485 – 1603
Tudor England was a time of great change under monarchs like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. It saw the English Reformation, the rise of the Renaissance in England (including Shakespeare), and the beginning of England’s exploration and expansion.
Picture books
The Tudors: Kings, Queens, Scribes, and Ferrets!
Cute introduction to the major Tudor figures for young readers
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Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare
Excellent introduction to Shakespeare for young readers
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The Queen’s Progress
ABC book set during Elizabeth’s yearly travels around her realm
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A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories
Colorful retelling of 12 Shakespeare plays
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Get Up, Elizabeth!
Playful story about a very young Elizabeth getting ready for the day
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Will’s Words: How William Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk
Excellent introduction to Shakespeare’s impact on the English language
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Good Queen Bess : The Story of Elizabeth I of England
Stellar introduction to Elizabeth I for young readers
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Complete Shakespeare
More extensive collection of illustrated stories from all of Shakespeare’s plays
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Mary, Queen of Scots: Escape from Lochleven Castle
Exciting story from the life of Mary, Queens of Scots
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Chapter books
Elizabeth I, Red Rose of The House of Tudor
Fictional Royal Diary about Elizabeth I as a teen girl
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Tales from Shakespeare
Classic retellings of Shakespeare plays for middle-grade readers
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Will Sparrow’s Road
Novel about a runaway boy experiencing life in Tudor England’s market fairs
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Mary, Queen of Scots: Queen Without a Country
Fictional Royal Diary about Mary, Queen of Scots as a teen girl
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Diver’s Daughter
Gripping adventure about a Tudor girl on a dangerous journey
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Non-fiction books
Tudor (DK Eyewitness)
Comprehensive reference with great photos
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If You Were Me and Lived in… Elizabethan England
Life in Elizabethan England through the eyes of a child
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Elizabethan World Reference Library: Primary Sources
Primary sources from Elizabethan England, with introductions and explanations
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What Life Was Like in the Realm of Elizabeth
Description of the Elizabethan world with great photographs, for older readers
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You Wouldn’t Want to Be Mary, Queen of Scots!: A Ruler Who Really Lost Her Head
Humorous guide to the life of Mary, Queen of Scots
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You Wouldn’t Want to Be a Shakespearean Actor
Humorous guide to life as a Shakespearean actor
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You Wouldn’t Want to Be Married to Henry VIII!
Humorous guide to Henry VIII’s many marriages
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You Wouldn’t Want to Be Ill in Tudor Times!
Humorous guide Tudor medicine
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Horrible Histories: Terrifying Tudors
Playful overview of the Tudors
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Horrible Histories Gruesome Guides: Stratford-upon-Avon
Playful overview of Shakespeare’s home
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Biographies
Who Was Henry VIII?
Great introduction to Henry VIII, his impact, and his context
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Who Was Queen Elizabeth?
Great introduction to Elizabeth I, her impact, and her context
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Who Was William Shakespeare?
Great introduction to Shakespeare, his impact, and his context
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Henry VIII: Royal Beheader
Irreverent biography exploring Henry VIII’s dark side
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Mary Tudor: Courageous Queen or Bloody Mary?
Irreverent biography exploring Mary Tudor’s dark side
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Activities
Shakespeare for Kids: His Life and Times, 21 Activities
Biography of Shakespeare with activities
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Where’s Will: Find Shakespeare Hidden in His Plays
Like Where’s Waldo, but find Shakespeare in scenes from his plays
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Much Ado About Mad Libs: World’s Greatest Word Game
Shakespeare-inspired Mad Libs
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