The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood

This is an older book (1998), but it was on several "best book" lists, so I thought I'd give it a try. I'm glad I did. It's a great historical fiction book about an orphan, Widge, who tries to steal the script for Hamlet from Shakespeare's theater company. There are plenty of surprises awaiting the reader as well as glimpses into the world of England in the late 1500s. I especially enjoyed the parts surrounding the actors and theater world.

This is book 1 in a series of 3.

Topics: Elizabethan England, Shakespeare, shorthand, publishing plays, acting, actors, orphans

Genre: historical fiction

Mrs. Beckwith's Rating: 4 of 5

Amazon reviews

The Queen's Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner

Book 1: The Thief (Newbery honor book)
Book 2: The Queen of Attolia
Book 3: The King of Attolia
Book 4: A Conspiracy of Kings

I found myself engrossed in these stories. I can't exactly explain why. At times I found parts of them confusing, but man, were they compelling. I had a hard time putting them down. Lots of political intrigue, suspicion, spying, thievery, romance, battle scenes, gods and goddesses, unexpected twists, etc.

Genre: fantasy (light)

Recommended audience: gr 7 and up

Mrs. Beckwith's Rating: 3.5 of 5

Note: does contain some harsh language and some graphic descriptions of wounds

Amazon Reviews:
The Thief
The Queen of Attolia
The King of Attolia
A Conspiracy of Kings