Here are 100 books that Treason fans have personally recommended if you like Treason. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Prince and the Pauper

Andrew Beattie Author Of The Secret in the Tower

From my list on middle grade children’s books set in Tudor England.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an author of history books as well as children’s fiction. My books for Pen and Sword Publishing tell the stories of the places associated with Henry VIII, and with the Princes in the Tower, the boys who mysteriously disappeared from the Tower of London during the reign of King Richard III. So it was obvious that I should use my passion for late medieval and Tudor history when it came to deciding on a setting for my first children’s book; The Secret in the Tower is set during Henry Tudor’s invasion and his assumption of the English throne. I hope readers enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed researching and writing it!

Andrew's book list on middle grade children’s books set in Tudor England

Andrew Beattie Why Andrew loves this book

I liked this book so much I turned it into a play, which has been performed by a number of schools in the United States and England.

A nineteenth-century classic (first published in 1881) by one of America’s most famous writers, it tells the story of two boys who swap places: one is Prince Edward, the son of King Henry VIII, the other is Tom Canty, a poor boy from the London streets. The action, full of twists and turns (and Twain’s satirical observations about wealth, power, and identity) unfolds in London and Kent and incorporates a host of weird and wonderful characters that both boys encounter on their adventures.

It has had umpteen film and TV adaptations and has influenced every “role swap” plot that has ever been concocted since.

By Mark Twain ,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked The Prince and the Pauper as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Prince and the Pauper is a classic adventure of mistaken identity set in Tudor London and told with Mark Twain's trademark humour and concern for social justice.

Part of the Macmillan Collector's Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition has an afterword by author and journalist Nicolette Jones.

Penniless Tom Canty wonders what it would be like to be a prince. Heir to the throne Edward Tudor dreams of a life outside the royal palace…


If you love Treason...

Book cover of Marvelous Jackson

Marvelous Jackson by Laura Anne Bird,

Since losing his mom, thirteen-year-old Jack Wilson has spent most of his time seeing just how much trouble he can get away with so that he feels like a winner at something. But he takes his mischief too far and is faced with the possibility of unbearable consequences. He…

Book cover of King of Shadows

Andrew Beattie Author Of The Secret in the Tower

From my list on middle grade children’s books set in Tudor England.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an author of history books as well as children’s fiction. My books for Pen and Sword Publishing tell the stories of the places associated with Henry VIII, and with the Princes in the Tower, the boys who mysteriously disappeared from the Tower of London during the reign of King Richard III. So it was obvious that I should use my passion for late medieval and Tudor history when it came to deciding on a setting for my first children’s book; The Secret in the Tower is set during Henry Tudor’s invasion and his assumption of the English throne. I hope readers enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed researching and writing it!

Andrew's book list on middle grade children’s books set in Tudor England

Andrew Beattie Why Andrew loves this book

Another book set amidst the colour and vibrancy of Elizabethan theatre – but I enjoyed this book particularly for its featuring of William Shakespeare himself as a character!

A young American actor comes to contemporary London to perform at the newly-built Globe theatre – and finds himself transported back in time to the first Globe theatre and the world of Shakespeare and his players. A plot against Queen Elizabeth I drives the action forward in this unusual time-slip adventure.

By Susan Cooper ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked King of Shadows as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

I lay very still, with all my senses telling me that I had gone mad. The plague? Nobody's had the plague for centuries . . .

Nathan Field, a talented young actor, arrives at the newly rebuilt Globe Theatre in London to play Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream. As rehearsals begin, eerie echoes of the past begin to haunt Nat, and he falls sick with a mysterious sickness.

When he wakes, Nat finds himself in 1599, an actor at the original Globe - and his co-star is none other than the King of Shadows himself: William Shakespeare.

Nat's new…


Book cover of The Queen's Fool

Andrew Beattie Author Of The Secret in the Tower

From my list on middle grade children’s books set in Tudor England.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an author of history books as well as children’s fiction. My books for Pen and Sword Publishing tell the stories of the places associated with Henry VIII, and with the Princes in the Tower, the boys who mysteriously disappeared from the Tower of London during the reign of King Richard III. So it was obvious that I should use my passion for late medieval and Tudor history when it came to deciding on a setting for my first children’s book; The Secret in the Tower is set during Henry Tudor’s invasion and his assumption of the English throne. I hope readers enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed researching and writing it!

Andrew's book list on middle grade children’s books set in Tudor England

Andrew Beattie Why Andrew loves this book

Not many children’s books set in historical times manage to incorporate “contemporary” concerns within their narrative such as how children with learning difficulties interact with the world around them – but I liked The Queen’s Fool for doing just that, with its story of Cat Sparrow, whose sister is abducted from their convent home and taken to one of Henry VIII’s palaces.

The trail Cat follows to rescue her sister takes her to the Field of the Cloth of Gold, a great diplomatic shindig between Henry and the French King, Francis.

The author explains in a historical note at the end of the book how her research into a little-known genetic condition known as Williams Syndrome inspired her portrayal of Cat, whose unique talents and character form the book’s heart.

By Ally Sherrick ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Queen's Fool as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

A fantastic Tudor adventure from Historical Association
Young Quills Award-winning author Ally Sherrick.

'A compulsive read ... I love Ally's writing, she really has
a way of making history come alive!' CELIA REES

'Having read Ally Sherrick's previous work, the author
can't put a foot wrong in my opinion, and this Tudor tale
is her best yet.' BARBARA HENDERSON

'The Queen's Fool is a gripping, page-turning adventure' LANCASHIRE
EVENING POST

Cat Sparrow is on the road. She's following her sister, Meg, who
was torn from their convent home and sent to London.

But Cat isn't like other people - she…


If you love Berlie Doherty...

Book cover of Cinderelliot: A Scrumptious Fairytale

Cinderelliot by Mark Ceilley,

A gay retelling of the classic fairy tale--a scrumptious love story featuring ungrateful stepsiblings, a bake-off, and a fairy godfather.

Cinderelliot is stuck at home taking care of his ungrateful stepsister and stepbrother. When Prince Samuel announces a kingdom-wide competition to join the royal staff as his baker, the stepsiblings…

Book cover of Rogues' Gold

Andrew Beattie Author Of The Secret in the Tower

From my list on middle grade children’s books set in Tudor England.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an author of history books as well as children’s fiction. My books for Pen and Sword Publishing tell the stories of the places associated with Henry VIII, and with the Princes in the Tower, the boys who mysteriously disappeared from the Tower of London during the reign of King Richard III. So it was obvious that I should use my passion for late medieval and Tudor history when it came to deciding on a setting for my first children’s book; The Secret in the Tower is set during Henry Tudor’s invasion and his assumption of the English throne. I hope readers enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed researching and writing it!

Andrew's book list on middle grade children’s books set in Tudor England

Andrew Beattie Why Andrew loves this book

As well as being an author of children’s historical fiction, I am a writer and director of children’s plays (including a production at the Edinburgh Fringe performed by actors aged 11-14). So I am always drawn to plays about performing, and this book, set in Elizabethan England, provides a great insight into the world of English theatre in the era of Shakespeare.

The lead character is Ben Button, a boy player with a troupe that travels out of London to perform at a nobleman’s manor house. Our hero immediately becomes embroiled in a quest to discover who has stolen a valuable plate from the manor.

It’s the first book in a series, Elizabethan Mysteries, which features the same boy and his group of players.

By John Pilkington ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Rogues' Gold as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

This is a mystery adventure story full of drama, death, intrigue and scandal, with colourful characters and an authentic historical setting. When boy actor Ben Button's fellow players are accused of stealing the priceless Lodovico plate, he sets out to save them from the shadow of the hangman's noose. Who really stole the plate, what secret does it hide and how can Ben reveal the truth? This thrilling romp across the Elizabethan English countryside, populated by bejewelled nobility, ragged beggars, thundering horsemen and secret spies, has a charm that's impossible to resist.


Book cover of Better, Not Bitter: Living on Purpose in the Pursuit of Racial Justice

Laura Whitfield Author Of Untethered: Faith, Failure, and Finding Solid Ground

From my list on taking risks, falling, and getting back up.

Why am I passionate about this?

After losing my beloved brother, I came to see the importance of taking risks and pursuing my dreams. What I learned is that with those risks come setbacks, even failure. I’ve lived a life of adventure and I’ve fallen down a lot, but I’ve also learned to get back up and go on. I love reading books about people who have learned resilience by trying, failing, gaining strength and wisdom, and carrying on. This experience is at the heart of what makes us human. It’s what connects us. I hope people who read my memoir will find the encouragement to keep going.

Laura's book list on taking risks, falling, and getting back up

Laura Whitfield Why Laura loves this book

Better, Not Bitter is the inspiring story of Yusef Salaam, one of the Central Park Five (now Exonerated Five), who was arrested at fourteen and wrongfully incarcerated for seven years. While in prison, Yusef drew strength from his newfound faith—a faith that helped him survive the dangers he faced daily. In time, Yusef came to see that he was “born on purpose, with a purpose.” A powerful story of redemption and resilience, of one man’s mission to motivate others to make a difference in the world.

By Yusef Salaam ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Better, Not Bitter as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Named a Best Book of 2021 by NPR

This inspirational memoir serves as a call to action from prison reform activist Yusef Salaam, of the Exonerated Five, that will inspire us all to turn our stories into tools for change in the pursuit of racial justice.

They didn't know who they had.

So begins Yusef Salaam telling his story. No one's life is the sum of the worst things that happened to them, and during Yusef Salaam's seven years of wrongful incarceration as one of the Central Park Five, he grew from child to man, and gained a spiritual perspective…


Book cover of Junk Science and the American Criminal Justice System

Maurice Possley Author Of Hitler in the Crosshairs: A GI's Story of Courage and Faith

From my list on true stories with meaning and power.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist who has worked for the past 10 years as the senior researcher for the National Registry of Exonerations. In that capacity, I have written nearly 2,500 individual accounts of men and women and teenagers who were wrongly convicted of crimes they did not commit. Some of them were sentenced to death. I have seen and written about these tragedies firsthand.

Maurice's book list on true stories with meaning and power

Maurice Possley Why Maurice loves this book

Chris Fabricant has written a compelling account of how the “junk science” of connecting bitemarks to human teeth has resulted in dozens of wrongful convictions of innocent people in America. I have known Chris for many years. He is a fierce advocate for truth and justice. This book powerfully exposes how forensic dentists have used methods with no scientific basis to convict the wrong people and the guilty people went free.

By M. Chris Fabricant ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Junk Science and the American Criminal Justice System as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Innocence Project attorney M. Chris Fabricant presents an insider’s journey into the heart of a broken, racist system of justice and the role junk science plays in maintaining the status quo.

Praise from John Grisham, author of A Time for Mercy: "No one in America will ever know the number of innocent people convicted, sent to prison, and even executed because of the flood of rotten forensics and bogus scientific opinions presented to juries. In this intriguing and beautifully crafted book, Innocence Project lawyer M. Chris Fabricant illustrates how wrongful convictions occur, and he makes it obvious how they could…


Book cover of A Knock at Midnight: A Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom

Melinda Lewis Author Of Social Policy for Effective Practice: A Strengths Approach

From my list on igniting students’ passions about policy change.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a policy advocate, grassroots activist, university professor, and author committed to social change—at scale—to advance social work values of racial, economic, environmental, and social justice. Recognizing that most social workers are drawn to our profession because they want to make a difference in the lives of their clients, one by one, I invest my energies and skills to making policy study and practice accessible, relevant, and urgent. My students quickly get used to noting the book recommendations I sprinkle throughout class discussions and in assignment feedback, because when you see the world through a social policy frame, everything has a policy implication! 

Melinda's book list on igniting students’ passions about policy change

Melinda Lewis Why Melinda loves this book

Social work students are people people, so even with the interactive cases and vignettes that connect policy knowledge to practice, it can be difficult for students planning for a career in interpersonal therapy or crisis intervention to connect emotionally to complex policy topics like Social Security reform, net-zero carbon emissions, or criminal justice reform.

Barnett’s non-fiction title on the latter topic is page-turning and infused with heart. It also relates her activism and community organizing, in service of advancing justice in policing and corrections.

This part of her story helps students see how they, too, can take actions—even as an individual—that bear witness to our values and advance toward a vision of social change.

By Brittany K. Barnett ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Knock at Midnight as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE FINALIST • NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINEE • A “powerful and devastating” (The Washington Post) call to free those buried alive by America’s legal system, and an inspiring true story about unwavering belief in humanity—from a gifted young lawyer and important new voice in the movement to transform the system.

“An essential book for our time . . . Brittany K. Barnett is a star.”—Van Jones, CEO of REFORM Alliance, CNN Host, and New York Times bestselling author 

Brittany K. Barnett was only a law student when she came across the case that would change her…


Book cover of Punching the Air

Padma Venkatraman Author Of Born Behind Bars

From my list on families with incarcerated members.

Why am I passionate about this?

Over 5 million children in the United States have had at least one parent in a correctional facility at one time or another. These children, and their parents, are our neighbors, our family, our friends. We might see them at a soccer match, or sit beside them at public libraries, or gather together with them regularly in prayer. They need to see themselves portrayed in a meaningful manner in the books they read. This shortlist includes two picture books, a middle-grade novel, and two young adult titles. I'm passionate about books on this topic because equity and inclusiveness and vital to me; and because I think excellent books such as these may enable us to start nuanced discussions and enhance our compassion. 

Padma's book list on families with incarcerated members

Padma Venkatraman Why Padma loves this book

If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between writing that is spare and writing that is sparse, read this phenomenal verse novel for young adults. Punching The Air is a stunning example of eloquence and a testament to the power of poetry, created by award author Ibi Zoboi and prison reform activist, motivational speaker and member of the exonerated five, Yusef Salaam. As lyrical as it is profound, this is the story of one young man’s incredible strength and resilience; a young man able to preserve his humanity and compassion as he battles against oppression and systemic racism.

By Ibi Zoboi , Yusef Salaam ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Punching the Air as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

From award-winning, bestselling author Ibi Zoboi and prison reform activist Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five comes a powerful YA novel in verse about a boy who is wrongfully incarcerated. Perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds, Walter Dean Myers, and Elizabeth Acevedo.

The story that I thought

was my life

didn't start on the day

I was born

Amal Shahid has always been an artist and a poet. But even in a diverse art school, he's seen as disruptive and unmotivated by a biased system. Then one fateful night, an altercation in a gentrifying neighborhood escalates into tragedy. "Boys just…


Book cover of The Cadaver King and the Country Dentist: A True Story of Injustice in the American South

Emilio Corsetti III Author Of I Will Ruin You: The Twisted Truth Behind The Kit Martin Murder Trial

From my list on wrongful convictions and their causes.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always been drawn to stories about wrongful convictions. I can think of nothing worse than losing your freedom for something you did not do. More importantly, I think it’s important to hold those responsible accountable. I believe in the sentiment that it is better to let ten guilty men go free than to have one innocent man convicted.

Emilio's book list on wrongful convictions and their causes

Emilio Corsetti III Why Emilio loves this book

This book covers how junk science leads to wrongful convictions. In this instance, it is bite analysis. The two men at the center of this story are Steven Hayne, the cadaver King, and Michael West, the Country Dentist.

The author focuses on one case, but these two men are responsible for several questionable convictions based solely on their testimony. As bad as these two are, you will be equally outraged by the incompetent judges, jurors, prosecutors, and defense attorneys that populate the stories of wrongful convictions covered in this book.

By Radley Balko , Tucker Carrington ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Cadaver King and the Country Dentist as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This is a tale of two tragedies.

At the heart of the first is Dr. Steven Hayne, a doctor the State of Mississippi employed as its de facto medical examiner for two decades. Beginning in the late 1980s, he performed anywhere from 1,200 to 1,800 autopsies per year, five times more than is recommended, all at night, in the basement of a local morgue and flower shop. Autopsy reports claimed organs had been observed and weighed when, in reality, they had been surgically removed from the body years before. But Hayne was the only game in town. He also often…


Book cover of Manifesting Justice: Wrongly Convicted Women Reclaim Their Rights

Leigh Goodmark Author Of Imperfect Victims: Criminalized Survivors and the Promise of Abolition Feminism

From my list on anger inducing non fiction women legal system.

Why am I passionate about this?

People experiencing intimate partner and other forms of violence have been taught that police, prosecutors, and courts are there to respond when they are harmed and to keep them safe. But in my practice representing survivors of gender-based violence, I have both heard about and witnessed first-hand the many ways that the criminal system punishes the survivors that it promised to protect. Survivors are harassed, harmed, and arrested by police. Their experiences of trauma are minimized and denied by prosecutors and judges. They are held criminally responsible for acting in self-defense and for the actions of the people who abuse them. 

Leigh's book list on anger inducing non fiction women legal system

Leigh Goodmark Why Leigh loves this book

When Kim Williams overdosed, Leigh Stubbs and Tami Vance sought help and performed CPR on her until paramedics arrived and took her to the hospital. The doctors who examined Kim said that she had been sexually assaulted. Police focused on Leigh and Tami, mainly, if not exclusively, because they were lesbians.

Leigh and Tami were wrongfully convicted of the assault and sentenced to 44 years in prison. Beety, an innocence litigator, highlights how medical malpractice, unscientific expert testimony, prosecutorial misconduct, problematic judicial rulings, and, above all, homophobia led to Leigh and Tami’s (and other manifestly unjust) convictions.

By Valena Beety ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Manifesting Justice as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Through the lens of her work with the Innocence Movement and her client Leigh Stubbs—a woman denied a fair trial in 2000 largely due to her sexual orientation—innocence litigator, activist, and founder of the West Virginia Innocence Project Valena Beety examines the failures in America's criminal legal system and the reforms necessary to eliminate wrongful convictions—particularly with regards to women, the queer community, and people of color...

When Valena Beety first became a federal prosecutor, her goal was to protect victims, especially women, from cycles of violence. What she discovered was that not only did prosecutions often fail to help…


Book cover of The Prince and the Pauper
Book cover of King of Shadows
Book cover of The Queen's Fool

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