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.

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.

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.

Adventurous / Mysterious / Suspenseful / Exciting

- Gary L. Blackwood's The Shakespeare Stealer was first published in 1998 and has since been recognized for its engaging blend of historical fiction and adventure.
- The novel was adapted into a stage play by Blackwood himself, allowing audiences to experience the story in a theatrical format similar to the performances depicted in the book.

**Widge**  
A 12-year-old apprentice with a talent for shorthand, who has endured a difficult upbringing and becomes intertwined with a theatre group after being sold by his adoptive guardian.

**Timothy Bright**  
A rector and doctor who adopts and teaches Widge the method of shorthand known as charactery before selling him to a stranger.

**Falconer/Simon Bass**  
The antagonist who disguises himself as Falconer, characterized by his menacing appearance and criminal endeavors, and purchases Widge under false pretenses.

**Sander**  
Widge's roommate and fellow theatre apprentice who warmly befriends him and guides him through the complex world of the theatre.

**Julia/Julian**  
A teenage girl who disguises herself as a boy to join the theatre troupe, showing determination and skill in her acting and perseverance in following her dreams.

**William Shakespeare**  
A minor character portrayed as a contemplative playwright whose work, particularly Hamlet, is central to the novel's events.

Gary L. Blackwood

Middle grade

Novel

The Shakespeare Stealer

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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The Shakespeare Stealer Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

The Shakespeare Stealer Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-7

The Shakespeare Stealer Chapters 4-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-12

The Shakespeare Stealer Chapters 8-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-16

The Shakespeare Stealer Chapters 13-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-20

The Shakespeare Stealer Chapters 17-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-24

The Shakespeare Stealer Chapters 21-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-27

The Shakespeare Stealer Chapters 25-27 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Shakespeare Stealer Character Analysis

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Themes

The Shakespeare Stealer Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Shakespeare Stealer Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Shakespeare Stealer Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Shakespeare Stealer Essay Topics

Introduction

The Shakespeare Stealer Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

The Shakespeare Stealer Before Reading

During Reading

The Shakespeare Stealer During Reading

After Reading

The Shakespeare Stealer After Reading

The Shakespeare Stealer

Before You Read

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