Had to force myself to finish this. While interesting, the historical inaccuracies drove me nuts. ( )

I read this because I was visiting Scotland and wanted a YA historical fiction to read while I was there. I wasn't disappointed from that angle, though I'm not sure this is a book I'd give to most kids. Medieval historical fiction isn't popular among my students, and Marjorie does feel 11th century. (As opposed to, say, Catherine of [b:Catherine, Called Birdy|24137|Catherine, Called Birdy|Karen Cushman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1167520363s/24137.jpg|25037], whose voice has a more contemporary feel.) It helped me get a vague handle on Scottish/English royal history, though! ( )

This book provided an interesting view of the battle for Scotland and Robert Bruce. Told from the point of view of his daughter the struggle for freedom from England takes on a very personal meaning. An interesting read with good character development and a moving plot. I would recommend this book to all ages. ( )

When Marjorie's father is crowned King of Scotland, the English King, Edward Longshanks, embarks on a crusade to wipe out the "rebels." Captured, Longshanks has Marjorie placed in a wooden cage, and hung in the center of town. Pelted with rotten vegetables, exposed to the cold, wind and rain, Marjorie is determined to remain a princess.

Based on historical events, I found this to be a fascinating book. It was well written, engaging, and the characters seemed alive. I think that pre-teens will be fascinated by this story, and perhaps find an interest in history. Overall, highly recommended. ( )

Jane Yolen knows how to write. She takes history (which aside from my romance novels I don't care for) and makes it come alive.
Girl in a Cage tells the story of 11 year old Marjorie de Brus who is a prisoner of King Edward of England. Marjorie's crime? To be the daughter of Robert de Brus, declared king of Scotland.
I pretty much hated Edward here. What kind of bastard puts a small child (or anyone really) in a cage? Out in the open for people to torment? ( )