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67 pages 2 hours read

Gary L. Blackwood

The Shakespeare Stealer

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1998

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood follows Widge, an orphaned apprentice in 1600s England, who is tasked with using charactery, a form of shorthand, to illegally copy Shakespeare's Hamlet. Initially motivated by his assignment, Widge becomes conflicted as he forms close bonds with the actors at the Globe Theatre, forcing him to choose between completing his mission or remaining loyal to his new friends.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Gary L. Blackwood’s The Shakespeare Stealer offers a thrilling historical adventure that captivates readers with its engaging plot and well-researched Elizabethan setting. Reviews praise its educational value and dynamic storytelling. Some critics, however, find character development lacking. Overall, it’s a commendable read for young adults interested in history and literature.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Shakespeare Stealer?

A reader who enjoys The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary L. Blackwood likely appreciates historical fiction, adventure, and young adult literature. Fans of The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen and Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson would find this tale of a young boy in Shakespearean England captivating.

Book Details
Pages

216

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, England • 1600s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

840L

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