Great Elizabethans: HM Queen Elizabeth II and 25 Amazing Britons from Her Reign
Inspiring Lives Series
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
Celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, this book highlights the remarkable 70-year reign of HM Queen Elizabeth II through the life stories of 25 influential individuals who have shaped modern Britain. From pioneers in science and technology to activists and artists, each page spread features a beautifully illustrated tale by Imogen Russell Williams, depicting how these Great Elizabethans have contributed to key historical events and cultural shifts during the Queen's time on the throne.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make someone a great leader, like Queen Elizabeth II?
Can you name a person from the book who inspired you, and why?
How do you think the world has changed during Queen Elizabeth II's reign?
Why do you think it's important to learn about the lives of people from different times and places?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use the book as a starting point to explore history together. Look up additional facts or images about the Britons mentioned to enrich the discussion.
Encourage your child to think about what qualities they admire in the leaders mentioned in the book and discuss how they can develop these qualities themselves.
Compare and contrast the different figures in the book with each other, and with today's leaders, to spark critical thinking and deeper understanding.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture or write a short story about their favorite character from the book, discussing the reasons for their choice as they work.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Leadership
Explanation: Through the depiction of iconic figures like Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher, the book illustrates the traits of strong leadership.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by taking initiative in group activities at school or in sports, learning to guide others with confidence and integrity.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The story of Queen Elizabeth II’s long reign showcases how she dealt with numerous national and personal challenges, emphasizing resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can embrace resilience by persisting with challenging tasks at school or when learning new skills, understanding that perseverance leads to achievement.
Example Lesson: Innovation
Explanation: Profiling inventors and creators like Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, highlights the importance of innovation and thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore creative solutions in their projects or while solving problems, fostering a mindset that appreciates innovation.
Example Lesson: Diversity and Inclusion
Explanation: The inclusion of diverse figures such as Mo Farah, an immigrant who became a knighted Olympic champion, teaches the value of diversity and inclusion.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in children’s lives by embracing classmates from diverse backgrounds, learning about different cultures, and including everyone in activities.
Example Lesson: Social Responsibility
Explanation: Figures like Princess Diana are portrayed engaging in humanitarian work, highlighting the importance of compassion and social responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children can participate in community service or school recycling programs, learning early the significance of caring for others and their environment.