Shakespeare

Compiled By Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan -- School Library Journal, 2/1/2004

"Words, words, words," proclaims Hamlet, Prince of Denmark (Act II, Sc. 2), and who would know better than the character who speaks more lines than any other of Shakespeare's dramatic personae? Surely more words have been written about Hamlet's creator than about any other author; thus, determining suitable titles for elementary through high school readers is a daunting task. Those noted here are not intended as a definitive list, but rather as a selection of works that shed light on the poet, his times, and his plays, in language that young people can grasp and with a spirit that will ignite their enthusiasm for the genius that was Shakespeare's.

Titles such as Good Queen Bess: The Story of Elizabeth I of England by Diane Stanley and Peter Vennema and The Queen's Progress: An Elizabethan Alphabet by Celeste Davidson Mannis give elementary readers a sense of the society that spawned this brilliant playwright, while Stanley's The Bard of Avon, Michael Rosen's Shakespeare: His Work and His World, and Peter Chrisp's Shakespeare provide myriad facts about the man behind the plays and the "theatre" for which he wrote. A number of the selections, such as individual titles by Bruce Coville and collections by E. Nesbit and Tina Packer, re-create the plays in modern language while keeping the flavor of the Bard's poetry. They are not intended to substitute for Shakespeare's scripts but rather to serve as preludes to the originals. In addition, novels such as Gary Blackwood's Shakespeare Stealer use the playwright and his theatre as background for well-developed historical fiction, while others, like Julius Lester's Othello: A Novel, re-envision Shakespeare's familiar tales. In all of these books, readers will find a wealth of information about the greatest of all English writers, but, more importantly, they will discover for themselves the incomparable richness that has made William Shakespeare a household name and has kept his plays alive in theatres for centuries. Perhaps these works can help Will step down from his scholar-created pedestal and allow him to take his rightful place among today's students as an entertainer; a man of theatre; a playwright for all places, all people, and all time.—Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan

Fiction

FREEMAN, Don. Will's Quill. illus. by author. Viking. 1975.
Gr 1-3 –Willoughby Waddle, a country goose, seeks adventure in Elizabethan London. After being rudely awakened to the frightening hustle and bustle of the city, he is befriended by Will Shakespeare. Determined to be useful, he follows Will to the Globe Theatre and unwittingly disturbs a performance. Trying to redeem himself, Willoughby offers the playwright one of his fine feathers as a quill. Humor abounds in both text and detailed watercolor paintings, bringing 16th-century England to life for the picture-book crowd.

Nonfiction

ALIKI. William Shakespeare and the Globe. illus. by author. HarperCollins. 1999.
Gr 3-6 –Structured according to the five acts of a Shakespearean play, this book tells the basic story of Will's life but focuses primarily on his theatre, both the original and the modern reconstruction of the Globe. Copiously illustrated with detailed realistic paintings and highlighted with appropriate quotes from a variety of his plays, it pays homage to the Bard and shows how his legacy continues, not only in productions but also in the appended "Words and Expressions" that have become part of our daily language.

CHRISP, Peter. Welcome to the Globe!: The Story of Shakespeare's Theater. DK. 2000.
Gr 3-5 –Shakespeare's theatre is presented from the point of view of eight figures: a boy player, a lead actor, a theatre manager, a gallant, a groundling, an apple seller, a waterman, and a cutpurse who explain their "jobs" in Elizabethan society. Attractive illustrations, clear photos, and interesting sidebars enhance the fully indexed text, while a glossary of terms ensures comprehension. A well-organized, enticing introduction to the Globe, its history, and important figures on and offstage.

DAVIDSON, Rebecca Piatt. All the World's a Stage. illus. by Anita Lobel. Greenwillow. 2003.
Gr 2-5 –This clever introduction to the world of Shakespeare's varied characters uses a cumulative poem to give basic plot details of nine of the playwright's works. Though some of the references will be better appreciated by those familiar with the plays, the verse is well-written and will encourage young listeners to investigate the stories in greater depth. With Lobel's magnificent detailed paintings, this colorful rendition breathes life into Shakespeare's characters and the world of Elizabethan theatre.

MANNIS, Celeste Davidson. The Queen's Progress: An Elizabethan Alphabet. illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline. Viking. 2003.
Gr 3 Up –This sumptuous picture book is a fascinating account of the wonders and worries that characterized the annual sojourn of Elizabeth I into the English countryside. Rhyming verses accompanied by prose explanations comprise a challenging but interesting narrative, and the elegant, beautifully detailed illustrations elucidate the historical text. This is a great backdrop for the study of Shakespearean times, and an accurate depiction of the customs and costumes of the day.

MULHERIN, Jennifer. Julius Caesar. illus. by Roger Payne. (Shakespeare for Everyone Series). Peter Bedrick. 1989.
Gr 4-6 –Well-organized with background information on the historical facts that spawned the play, this clear, straightforward prose adaptation is interspersed with poetic dialogue to give a sense of the actual script. The 32-page format features introductory material on the classical nature of an Elizabethan education, sections on the story and characters of the tragedy, and general facts about the life and works of Shakespeare. Accompanied by well-chosen historical prints and drawings, and including suitable color illustrations of the tale, this is a good introduction to one of Will's most famous plays. Other titles in this series recommended for their consistent quality include As You Like It, Macbeth, and The Taming of the Shrew .

ROSEN, Michael. Shakespeare: His Work and His World. illus. by Robert Ingpen. Candlewick. 2001.
Gr 4-7 –Geared to neophytes, this beautifully illustrated, rather large-print overview of Shakespeare's life, works, and society gives generally accepted facts from his childhood through his much-debated will and ends with words and expressions that can be attributed to the Bard. Liberally salted with quotes, it features five of his best-known plays, providing brief summaries while focusing on some aspect of each that underscores the reasons behind his genius. Detailed, realistic illustrations convey much about the dress and architecture of the times.

STANLEY, Diane & Peter Vennema. Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare. illus. by Diane Stanley. Morrow. 1992.
Gr 4-6 –This solid yet not overly detailed biography puts Shakespeare's life and theatrical career in the context of the Elizabethan political scene. Well-known facts about his personal situation and about the theatre for which he wrote give intermediate readers a clear picture of this genius. One-page realistic gouache illustrations focus primarily on the costumes and interior architectural details of the times.

STANLEY, Diane & Peter Vennema. Good Queen Bess: The Story of Elizabeth I of England. illus. by Diane Stanley. S & S/Four Winds. 1990.
Gr 4-6 –This clear, basic biography of the Virgin Queen will provide young readers with background information on the workings of the English monarchy and the political situations of the Elizabethan Age. Important personages are introduced and some of the intricacies of the society in which Shakespeare lived are explained. Well-executed realistic illustrations convey details of costume and courtly life. A very human portrait of an important monarch.

Fiction

BLACKWOOD, Gary. The Shakespeare Stealer. 1998.
BLACKWOOD, Gary. Shakespeare's Scribe. 2000.
BLACKWOOD, Gary. Shakespeare's Spy. 2003.
ea vol: Dutton.
Gr 5-8 –Fast-paced adventures with fully developed characters and fascinating details of Elizabethan life, both on and offstage, characterize these well-written pieces of historical fiction. In the first title, Widge, an orphan working for an evil master, comes to Shakespeare's theatre to steal one of his plays. Instead, the actors he meets quickly become the family Widge never had. The sequel finds him as a "prentice" to the Lord Chamberlain's Men and an assistant to the Bard himself, transcribing Shakespeare's scribbles into readable dialogue. In the third book, as costumes and other items begin disappearing from backstage, Widge becomes a spy for the Globe's players while managing to do a bit of playwriting on his own. Endnotes explain how fact and fiction intertwine. Top-notch writing with a touch of humor.

COOPER, Susan. King of Shadows. S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Bks. 1999.
Gr 5-9 –Nat Field is part of a company of boys chosen to perform at the new Globe Theatre. After becoming ill, he finds himself suddenly transported back to 1599 where he will perform Puck to an Oberon portrayed by the playwright himself. Through Shakespeare's mentoring, Nat learns to accept his own father's suicide, and he returns the favor by preventing the Bard from contracting the dreaded plague. Filled with details of Elizabethan theatre history, this time-travel fantasy also underscores the theme of moving on in life despite personal grief. Audio available from Listening Library.

Nonfiction

ALLISON, Amy. Shakespeare's Globe. Gale/Lucent. 1999.
Gr 6 Up –This detailed, well-written explanation of theatre architecture in Elizabethan times focuses on the first and second Globes, their structures, stage practices, and business handling. Numerous sidebars provide specifics on important figures and cultural details, and black-and-white drawings and engravings enhance the text. An excellent source for research.

CHRISP, Peter. Shakespeare. photos. by Steve Teague. DK. 2002.
Gr 6 Up –Superb, colorful illustrations and full spreads introduce a wide variety of topics pertaining to the playwright. Subjects include "Shakespeare's Birthplace," "Building the Globe," and the Bard's "Return to Stratford," with a particular focus on the customs, plays, and practices of the Elizabethan theatre. Numerous insets provide fascinating details about the culture. Though only an overview, this volume offers an enormous amount of background information for those wishing to gain an understanding of Shakespeare's world.

COVILLE, Bruce, retel. William Shakespeare's Hamlet. illus. by Leonid Gore. Dial. Mar. 2004.
Gr 5-8 –An inspired retelling of Shakespeare's haunting tragedy of "ghosts, murder, madness, and revenge." Coville's rich dramatic narrative surrounds carefully chosen quotes and is accompanied by Gore's eerie paintings that underscore the mood of the text. An excellent prose introduction to the Bard's most well-known play.

COVILLE, Bruce, retel. William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. illus. by Dennis Nolan. Dial. 1999.
Gr 5-8 –With its easy-to-follow text, this well-crafted prose adaptation of the tale of young love tragically thwarted is certain to appeal to pre- and young teens with a romantic bent. Actual lines of dialogue complement the modern retelling, and Nolan's pencil-and-watercolor illustrations capture the essence of the scenes through vibrant facial expressions.

COVILLE, Bruce. William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. illus. by Tim Raglin. Dial. 2003.
Gr 5-8 –A verbal and visual treat with a clear and carefully told story that focuses on the intricacies of the interwoven primary and secondary plots. Coville uses actual quotes and a formal sentence structure to maintain an Elizabethan flavor. Humorous yet distinctive illustrations sport accurate costume and architectural details. A delightful romp through Shakespeare's world of mistaken identities.

DOMMERMUTH-COSTA, Carol. William Shakespeare. Lerner. 2002.
Gr 6 Up –Organized into seven chapters corresponding to the "Seven Ages of Man," this book tells the poet's story while providing general background information on customs, politics, and the overall way of life in Elizabethan England. The author places greatest emphasis on Shakespeare's success as a poet and playwright and includes some uncommonly mentioned details about his background, along with insets on issues of interest, ranging from the Elizabethan view of "Household chores" to "Witchcraft." Well-documented with numerous photos, highly readable, and useful for research.

MCKEOWN, Adam, retel. Hamlet. illus. by Sally Wern Comport. Sterling. 2003.
Gr 5-8 –A modern, detailed retelling of Shakespeare's best-known tragedy accompanies a well-paraphrased text. Highly stylized cartoon illustrations accentuate the distorted society of Hamlet's Denmark. Suitable for neophytes who want a clear prose explanation that fleshes out the actions and settings normally seen on stage.

NESBIT, E, adapt. The Best of Shakespeare. Oxford. 1997.
Gr 4-9 –Brief prose versions of 10 of Shakespeare's most well-known plays, including As You Like It, Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet, by the classic British children's author. These accessible stories capture the essential elements of the plays and their characters and use a taste of the original language to convey a sense of the playwright's poetic genius. Though Nesbit's use of modern language is perhaps occasionally too casual, the retellings will serve as good introductions to or a quick refresher of these immortal tales. Illustrated with dramatic black-and-white photographs from contemporary professional productions.

OLSTER, Fredi & Rick Hamilton. A Midsummer Night's Dream: A Workbook for Students. Smith and Kraus, 1996.
Gr 6 Up –This "workbook for students and teachers" provides an abridged version of the play together with a vernacular rendition. The adaptation is presented in parallel script form so that readers can enjoy the original language while seeing the ideas expressed in contemporary words. Character descriptions, background information, acting exercises, and production notes accompany the script. This title can be used as an introduction to the playwright's work or for a simple classroom performance. Also recommended from the series: Romeo and Juliet.

PACKER, Tina, retel. Tales from Shakespeare. Scholastic. Apr. 2004.
Gr 6-9 –Clearly written adaptations of 10 of Shakespeare's most well-known plays convey a real understanding of young audiences. Carefully chosen language and a flawless interweaving of numerous original and abridged quotes make the stories flow, while the focus on "main players" underscores the essential aspects of the primary and secondary plots. A short introductory essay gives basic information on the Bard's life and times, and striking one-page color illustrations by a variety of noted artists set the tone for each piece.

ROSEN, Michael, adapt. Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. illus. by Jane Ray. Candlewick. 2004.
Gr 6-9 –This scriptlike adaptation of the classic lovers' tale combines paraphrased prose and extensive poetic lines of dialogue to make the tragedy accessible to young readers. A short introductory essay on the importance of theatre in Elizabethan times, an author's endnote, and the overall arrangement of the text add to the theatricality of the piece. Stylized watercolor illustrations portray details of the setting, but their real emphasis is on the feelings of the characters. A solid choice for reader's theatre or for dramatizing a simpler version of the original.

High School

Fiction

FIEDLER, Lisa. Dating Hamlet: Ophelia's Story. Holt. 2002.
Gr 8-10 –Amid the lies and deceits that plague the Danish court, Prince Hamlet longs to put Elsinore to rights, but he is riddled with indecision. His beloved Ophelia, however, is resolute, and she contrives a plan to rescue Hamlet and herself from the evil Claudius's clutches. Definitely NOT for purists, this rendition uses all of the elements of Shakespeare's account, but with enough twists and turns to create a happy ending! Sure to provoke comparisons with the original and discussions about how manipulating characters can lead to a totally new story.

HOYT, Sarah A. Ill Met by Moonlight. Ace. 2001.
Adult/High School –When his wife and daughter disappear, Will Shakespeare goes off in search of them, and he suddenly finds himself entwined in the world of elves and fairies that inhabit the Forest of Arden. His struggles and adventures with the elves Quicksilver and Sylvanus, who are vying for ultimate power of their kingdom, lead him to a new appreciation of his family and to a clearer understanding of the values for which he stands. Dynamic characters and intrigue abound in this well-written fantasy that suggests unusual possibilities for the playwright's dramatic inspiration.

LESTER, Julius. Othello: A Novel. Scholastic. 1995.
Gr 9 Up –A "reconceptualization" of the Moor's tale places race and questions of identity at the heart of the story. Interweaving direct quotes and paraphrases of significant lines of the play, this novel re-creates Othello, Iago, and Emily (Emilia) as displaced Africans living in England, where their various levels of discomfort and mistrust in a white world sow the seeds of betrayal. A good source to promote discussion of the assimilation of races and of varying approaches to the original piece.

Nonfiction

BOYCE, Charles. Shakespeare A to Z. Facts On File. 1990.
Adult/High School –A single-volume reference of approximately 3000 entries, this title features synopses and critical commentaries about each of the plays, short references to characters, leading actors, directors, producers, authors, scholars, publishers, as well as places, people, and terms relevant to Shakespeare's life and works. Copious cross-references and a readable text make this an excellent source for quick research. Black-and-white photos and engravings feature actors throughout history in various roles.

DOBSON, Michael & Stanley Wells, eds. The Oxford Companion to Shakespeare. Oxford. 2001.
Adult/High School –This extensive alphabetical reference tool contains concise and readable entries varying in length from one line to a half page. Introductory essays on each play and on the sonnets as a whole provide a synopsis with critical comments on text, sources, artistic features, stage/screen, and critical histories. Liberally illustrated with photos, engravings, and black-and-white copies of documents and paintings, this is an excellent source for basic information on the people, places, words, and ideas of Shakespearean times. A chronology, suggestions for further reading, and critical sources complete the text.

HALIO, Jay L. A Midsummer Night's Dream: A Guide to the Play. Greenwood. 2003.
Adult/High School –One of the "Greenwood Guides to Shakespeare," this volume is an excellent reference for students doing in-depth analyses of a perennial favorite. Beginning with a discussion of the play's textual history, it includes pertinent, up-to-date information on sources, language, characters, and plot and explores the story's themes. Critiques of the play as well as discussions of its stage and screen history round out the presentation. A selected annotated bibliography spurs further research. A similar guide is available for The Merchant of Venice.

OLSEN, Kirstin. All Things Shakespeare: An Encyclopedia of Shakespeare's World. 2 vols. Greenwood. 2002.
Gr 9 Up –An ideal reference for those looking for information on the physical world of Shakespeare's time: animals, architecture, clothing, coins, food, holidays, insults, jewels, occupations, and religion. More than 200 entries clarify the customs, objects, and beliefs of Renaissance England for students, teachers, actors, directors, and interested readers. References to the lines of dialogue in which the various subjects appear are listed within each entry, and cross-references aid readers. The clear, readable prose is accompanied by numerous black-and-white engravings, drawings, and photos.

ORTWEIN, Terrence. Act Three, Scene Five. Baker's Plays. 1987.
Gr 9 Up –When a "macho" high school actor has to rehearse the balcony scene from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, he suddenly discovers the beauty of and power behind the poet's words. A whole new world opens up to him, and he even finds his own "Juliet!" This one-act play is a perfect antidote to student complaints about obscure Elizabethan language, and it is sure to promote a whole new appreciation for the original five-act version.