THE
SHAKESPEARE STEALER
Gary Blackwood
Puffin Books
2000
Available:
paperback, hardcopy, Kindle
The story takes place in the mid
1500's. Widge is an unusual orphan. He's educated. As such he is apprenticed to
a doctor where he learns to take dictation. Using a revolutionary shorthand
method Widge can write rapidly and accurately record every word spoken. It's
almost magical. Because of this skill, he is sold for a high price. His new
master is cruel and
demanding. He orders Widge to make a copy of Shakespeare's
latest play Hamlet. Failure is not an option if Widge wants to live. It sounds
like an easy assignment. But when the theater company takes him in, for the
first time in his life he feels like he belongs. Now he has the biggest
decision of his life. If he obeys his master it means he'll betray his new
friends.
The story is well written and has
a historical feel. Widge is an endearing character almost out of a Dicken's
novel. This would be a great read-aloud story for the classroom.
Target audience: grades 4-7
Mystery/ Suspense: historial
Kid appeal: nice
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