67 pages • 2 hours read
Gary L. BlackwoodThe Shakespeare Stealer
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1998A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
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
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 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.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
840L