Book cover of The Shakespeare Stealer

Book description

A delightful adveture full of humor and heart set in Elizabethan England!

Widge is an orphan with a rare talent for shorthand. His fearsome master has just one demand: steal Shakespeare's play "Hamlet"--or else. Widge has no choice but to follow orders, so he works his way into the heart…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked The Shakespeare Stealer as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Widge is an orphan in Elizabethan England, where orphans are sadly too common. But Widge is unusual. He has a unique talent which he learned from his first master: he knows a secret kind of shorthand. Sold to a dastardly villain who wants to use that talent to steal Shakespeare’s newest play, Widge finds himself in London apprenticing with the theatre company. Will he steal the play or risk his life to be loyal to the only “family” he’s ever known? Inspired by Shakespeare’s Lord Chamberlain's Men – and a very real problem of plays being stolen – there’s plenty…

Set in London at the historic Globe theater, orphan Widge is forced by his cruel master to try to steal the works of William Shakespeare. This book really illuminates the time period. I loved how it pulled me right in and kept me constantly on Widge’s side. Filled with twists and turns this book is hard to put down. 

From Nancy's list on kids who love a medieval quest.

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