Dive into the whimsical world of historical fiction with “My Contrary Mary” by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows, the authors behind the beloved “My Lady Jane.” If you and your teen enjoyed the hilarious and fantastical reimagining of Lady Jane Grey’s story, you might be wondering if their new book, “My Contrary Mary,” offers the same delightful reading experience and is appropriate for a similar age group. As parents navigate the young adult (YA) literature landscape, understanding a book’s content is crucial. This guide will walk you through what “My Contrary Mary” offers, its content suitability, and why it might be the next favorite read for your teen.
What is My Contrary Mary About?
“My Contrary Mary” takes readers to Renaissance France, but with a magical twist. Mary, Queen of Scots, isn’t just a royal figure navigating courtly life; she’s also an Eðian – a shapeshifter who can turn into a mouse! This secret in a kingdom ruled by Verities (humans) adds layers of intrigue and peril to Mary’s life. Engaged to Francis, she finds solace in him, but the French court is a dangerous place filled with conspiracies, especially after the king’s suspicious death thrusts Mary and Francis onto the throne. They must navigate treacherous plots while Mary tries to keep her shapeshifting ability hidden.
Why Parents Are Asking: Connecting to My Lady Jane
The connection to “My Lady Jane” is a significant draw for readers and parents alike. Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows have created a signature style: witty, fast-paced historical fantasy with strong romantic elements. “My Lady Jane” charmed readers with its humor and inventive plot, making it a popular choice for teens and adults who enjoy lighthearted yet engaging stories. Parents who found “My Lady Jane” appropriate for their teens are naturally curious if “My Contrary Mary” follows suit. The authors’ reputation for crafting clean yet compelling YA fiction sets expectations for their new releases.
A Quick and Engaging Read for Young Adults
Just like “My Lady Jane,” “My Contrary Mary” is designed to be a captivating and easy read. Despite its nearly 500 pages, the book’s pacing feels brisk, thanks to accessible writing and shorter paragraphs. This makes it ideal for teen readers who might be intimidated by longer books. The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Mary, her betrothed Francis, and Ari, a new lady-in-waiting and daughter of Nostradamus. This multi-POV approach keeps the narrative dynamic and allows readers to connect with each character’s unique challenges and viewpoints within the French court. The authors’ signature tongue-in-cheek narration, breaking the fourth wall with humorous asides, adds to the book’s light tone, making history feel less like a textbook and more like an adventure.
Content Considerations: Parents Guide to My Contrary Mary
For parents concerned about content, “My Contrary Mary” offers a relatively clean read within the YA genre, similar to “My Lady Jane”, but with a few elements to note:
- Recommended Age: The book is generally recommended for ages 12 and up, aligning with typical YA readership.
- Representation: The main characters are white (Scottish and French). There is representation of LGBTQ+ relationships, with Ari developing a romantic interest in another girl.
- Language: Profanity is mild and infrequent, mostly in English, with some stronger French profanity mentioned but not heavily featured.
- Romance: Romantic content includes kissing between a boy and girl (Mary and Francis) and kissing between two girls. There are also general references to sex, but these are not explicit.
- Spiritual/Supernatural Elements: Visions play a role, mainly through Nostradamus and Ari. Ari’s visions are humorously depicted as scenes from movies, while Nostradamus has more traditional future visions, fitting the fantasy aspect of the story. Mary’s shapeshifting is a central fantastical element.
- Violence: The book contains situations of peril, references to torture, and a brief battle scene. These elements are present due to the historical setting and courtly intrigue but are not overly graphic.
- Substance Use: There are instances of King Henry getting drunk, and a scene where Mary and Francis play a drinking game, leading to them becoming tipsy.
Conclusion: Is My Contrary Mary a Good Choice for Teens?
Overall, “My Contrary Mary” is a delightful and engaging read suitable for teens aged 12 and up, especially those who enjoyed “My Lady Jane.” It offers a fun, fantastical twist on historical events with relatable characters and a sweet romantic subplot. The content is handled with a light touch, making it appropriate for younger YA readers while still providing enough intrigue and adventure to keep older teens entertained. For parents seeking a book that blends history, fantasy, and humor with mild content concerns, “My Contrary Mary” is a strong contender and a worthy addition to the books by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows.
