The Shakespeare Stealer

The Shakespeare Stealer
By Gary L. Blackwood
Dutton Children’s Book, 1998. 216 pgs. Young Adult

Widge, an orphan sold into apprenticeship, has the art of shorthand. His new master assigned him to steal the play Hamlet. While watching the performance at the Globe Theater in order to copy the play, he becomes enraptured and forgets that he is supposed to be writing the play down. His solution is to become a member of the cast and steal the book so he will not go back to his master empty handed. The problem is that he becomes friends with the Shakespeare Company. Who will Widge serve-his master or his friends?

A fun, light insight into the world of Shakespeare that will appeal to teens with its action and humor.

KK