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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
This was one of my favorite novels as a child and is 75% responsible for sending me to Shakespeare summer camp and making me fall in love with the old playwright to begin with.
I tore the book up rereading it over and over again! I loved everything about this book: ecspecially the main character, Hero- was not annoying, and had a little spite inside of her, which I found interesting at such a young age. The writing, was beautiful- and not super simplistic, which is so common for the demographic it was written for. The mystery was engaging as well!
I think people should use this book to teach Shakespeare to kids- that's how good it is!
I tore the book up rereading it over and over again! I loved everything about this book: ecspecially the main character, Hero- was not annoying, and had a little spite inside of her, which I found interesting at such a young age. The writing, was beautiful- and not super simplistic, which is so common for the demographic it was written for. The mystery was engaging as well!
I think people should use this book to teach Shakespeare to kids- that's how good it is!
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Cancer, Mental illness
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This story of finding and being found tells of a mystery. As Hero adapts to yet another new home and school, she uncovers surprising friends and an absorbing mystery. Might she and her friends reveal a centuries old secret?
A read aloud shared with our kids, we all enjoyed this story.
A read aloud shared with our kids, we all enjoyed this story.
I really enjoyed this book, it had some great historical details although it is not historical fiction. It’s a tale of friendship for someone who has never really had friends. There’s a nice little mystery and a bonus surprise at the end. For any Shakespeare buff, some very interesting & intriguing theories!
Fairly well written, interesting take, but I just didn't subscribe to the theories proposed in this book, which made is frustrating to read.
I was wary because of the odd cover illustration, but Shakespeare's Secret was surprisingly good. This is a good intro to Shakespeare as a cultural figure and puts him into historical context, although the modern storyline is in the forefront. The story is probably best for ages 10 and up since it includes the main character being teased about a misconstrued budding romance.
Hero dreads starting at a new school again. She's never been popular like her sister Beatrice and she knows that the first day will be the worst. This first day is the worst she's ever had. When introduced to her new class, a girl in the class blurts out that her dog's name is Hero. Henceforth, Hero is known as the girl named after a dog. With no friends at school, Hero begins spending time with her neighbor Mrs. Roth who is telling her about the mystery of the large diamond that is suspected to be hidden in the house that Hero's family moved into. Hero just knows that the diamond is still in the house and she begins to look for it. Mrs. Roth has some clues that point to the diamond once belonging to Anne Boelyn and the two begin to piece together the history behind the diamond and its possible connection to Shakespeare.
I don't normally like mysteries, but I found this one very intriguing. There are clues that Hero and Mrs. Roth find out that lead to the solution to the mystery. There are also interesting facts about Anne Boelyn and the theory that another man might actually be the author of Shakespeare's plays. The author includes a length note about these facts that explains what was fictional and what was true.
Readalike suggestions: For mystery fans suggest "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin and "Chasing Vermeer" by Blue Balliett.
I don't normally like mysteries, but I found this one very intriguing. There are clues that Hero and Mrs. Roth find out that lead to the solution to the mystery. There are also interesting facts about Anne Boelyn and the theory that another man might actually be the author of Shakespeare's plays. The author includes a length note about these facts that explains what was fictional and what was true.
Readalike suggestions: For mystery fans suggest "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin and "Chasing Vermeer" by Blue Balliett.