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The Shakespeare Stealer - Gary Blackwood

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Brief synopsis (no spoilers): Widge is taught his owner's version of shorthand writing. Another man buys him and asks him to copy attend and copy the text of Shakespeare's play Hamlet so that the new owner's group of "players" can perform the play for themselves. 

Category: Middle grades

Why I chose this book: Had it in my collection

My personal opinion (the review): Though the story and writing style were quite elementary I found that I did enjoy the book and I look forward to reading the others in the series. Widge is a likable character, as are the other players at the Globe Theater. It was interesting to see his transformation as he entered the world of the theater and began learning about acting. 

Warnings
Language: None
Violence: Mock play fighting, some mild sword dueling, and a tavern brawl
"Adult" situations: None (one of the "players" ends up being a girl in hiding. Her shirt is ripped during sword practice revealing a part of her wrapped up chest, but that is all the detail that is given. It is quickly glossed over and she disappears from the story. 
Death: None

Movie rating equivalent: PG

Protagonist description: Widge is a mistreated orphan. He has grown up in orphanages and with masters who do not really care for his well-being. Most of the book he lives in fear of punishment for not accomplishing the task he has been given, but as he begins to develop friendships he is brought into a new way of life.

Point of view of story: Widge

Book length: Short

Story flow: Linear

Grammar and spelling issues: None

Character connection (no spoilers): None

For series:
Independent or integral: Independent as first in series

Series review as a whole: Not sure yet

If you only have time for one, read: The Shakespeare Stealer 

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