Rinaldi's The Redheaded Princess

Rinaldi usually does US history, but this goes along with her Nine Days a Queen, which was the story of Jane Grey. As with all Rinaldi, it is well-researched and has good details of life during the historical period, but the most compelling thing about this book is what Rinaldi mentions in the afterword-- she wanted to make it fun to read.

Like the Carolyn Meyer's books about princesses, this is fun because of all of the intrigue that occurred. It was scary to be in line for the throne, but somehow thrilling as well. This is conveyed in the books. I remember being enthralled by Elizabeth Kyle's Princess of Orange when I was in middle school, so there must be something about royalty that appeals to this age group. A good buy for any middle school.