The Shakespeare Stealer
by Gary Blackwood
Widge is an orphan who knows shorthand . He is dramatically taken away in the beginning of this story by a terrible master who demands he watch practice sessions of the as yet unpublished HAMLET, and write the script in shorthand. Having no choice, Widge follows directions. This is an entertaining novel which engages youth today with historical details, colorful characters, villainy, and drama. My fourth grade class wrote and performed a play about this book. They were so excited when they found out one actor was really an actress, and that only men could perform in plays during that time period.
Parents, this would be a great book for night time reading to children who are exhausted from their day at school, sports, lessons, and homework. Children will often listen to reading when they are tired, so take advantage of such opportunities.
Happy reading!
Carolyn
