Bibliography
Broach, E. (2005). Shakespeare’s secret. New York: Henry Holt and Company, LLC.
250 pages
Plot
Hero, a twelve year old girl named after Shakespeare’s character from Much Ado About Nothing, has just moved to Maryland with her parents and sister Beatrice. On her first day in Maryland, Hero meets Mrs. Roth, an elderly neighbor, who explains to Hero about Arthur Murphy, the previous owner of Hero’s house, and his wife’s missing diamond. The diamond and its necklace, was a 500 year-old piece once owned by Edward de Vere, whom historians question to be the real Shakespeare. The diamond disappeared when Mr. Murphy’s wife became ill, and a break-in occurred at the Murphy residence. The diamond was never recovered. Intrigued, Hero, Mrs. Roth, and Danny Cordova, the most popular boy in 8th grade, begin to search for the missing jewel.
Review
Shakespeare’s Secret is a light historically-based mystery and coming of age story. Broach does an excellent job portraying tween life in a realistic light. Hero is a believable character, who tries to understand her self and her place in the world. Her relationship with Danny also feels true, in that the author does not try to force any feelings upon the two. Their friendship, which initially begins on a lark, grows out of shared curiosity and their relationship with Mrs. Roth. All tweens should be able to relate to Hero’s relationship with her family, her need of autonomy, and her desire to fit in while being herself.
Genre
Mystery
Reading Level/Interest Level
Shakespeare’s Secret should mostly appeal to 10 to 12 year olds due to the content and main characters’ ages.
Similar Content
Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
Two eleven year-olds attempt to recover a stolen masterpiece.
Books by the Same Author
Masterpiece
A story about art and the friendship between James, an eleven year-old, and Marvin, a beetle.
Author Webpage/Blog
http://www.elisebroach.com/
Personal Thoughts
From an adult perspective, Shakespeare’s Secret is a fairly predictable mystery, but fun. Tweens who enjoy mysteries, historical fiction, and light fare should enjoy this book.
Subjects/Themes
Family Relationships
Fitting In
Historical Mystery
Amateur Detective
Awards
JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION
EDGAR AWARD NOMINEE, BEST JUVENILE MYSTERY
ALA NOTABLE BOOK
NCTE NOTABLE BOOK IN THE LANGUAGE ARTS
IRA TEACHERS’ CHOICE
BOOKSENSE SUMMER PICK
Series Information
No known information regarding sequels or subsequent books with these characters.
Character Names/Descriptions
-Hero: Main character, twelve, just starting 6th grade
-Mrs. Roth: Hero’s next door neighbor and source of information about Murphy’s
Diamond
-Danny Cordova: Popular and cute 8th grader, accomplice to Hero
Annotation
A missing 500 year-old diamond and Shakespeare’s identity is at stake as Hero Netherfield teams up with the cutest boy in 8th grade in Shakespeare’s Secret.
Broach, E. (2005). Shakespeare’s secret. New York: Henry Holt and Company, LLC.
250 pages
Plot
Hero, a twelve year old girl named after Shakespeare’s character from Much Ado About Nothing, has just moved to Maryland with her parents and sister Beatrice. On her first day in Maryland, Hero meets Mrs. Roth, an elderly neighbor, who explains to Hero about Arthur Murphy, the previous owner of Hero’s house, and his wife’s missing diamond. The diamond and its necklace, was a 500 year-old piece once owned by Edward de Vere, whom historians question to be the real Shakespeare. The diamond disappeared when Mr. Murphy’s wife became ill, and a break-in occurred at the Murphy residence. The diamond was never recovered. Intrigued, Hero, Mrs. Roth, and Danny Cordova, the most popular boy in 8th grade, begin to search for the missing jewel.
Review
Shakespeare’s Secret is a light historically-based mystery and coming of age story. Broach does an excellent job portraying tween life in a realistic light. Hero is a believable character, who tries to understand her self and her place in the world. Her relationship with Danny also feels true, in that the author does not try to force any feelings upon the two. Their friendship, which initially begins on a lark, grows out of shared curiosity and their relationship with Mrs. Roth. All tweens should be able to relate to Hero’s relationship with her family, her need of autonomy, and her desire to fit in while being herself.
Genre
Mystery
Reading Level/Interest Level
Shakespeare’s Secret should mostly appeal to 10 to 12 year olds due to the content and main characters’ ages.
Similar Content
Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
Two eleven year-olds attempt to recover a stolen masterpiece.
Books by the Same Author
Masterpiece
A story about art and the friendship between James, an eleven year-old, and Marvin, a beetle.
Author Webpage/Blog
http://www.elisebroach.com/
Personal Thoughts
From an adult perspective, Shakespeare’s Secret is a fairly predictable mystery, but fun. Tweens who enjoy mysteries, historical fiction, and light fare should enjoy this book.
Subjects/Themes
Family Relationships
Fitting In
Historical Mystery
Amateur Detective
Awards
JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION
EDGAR AWARD NOMINEE, BEST JUVENILE MYSTERY
ALA NOTABLE BOOK
NCTE NOTABLE BOOK IN THE LANGUAGE ARTS
IRA TEACHERS’ CHOICE
BOOKSENSE SUMMER PICK
Series Information
No known information regarding sequels or subsequent books with these characters.
Character Names/Descriptions
-Hero: Main character, twelve, just starting 6th grade
-Mrs. Roth: Hero’s next door neighbor and source of information about Murphy’s
Diamond
-Danny Cordova: Popular and cute 8th grader, accomplice to Hero
Annotation
A missing 500 year-old diamond and Shakespeare’s identity is at stake as Hero Netherfield teams up with the cutest boy in 8th grade in Shakespeare’s Secret.
Nice entry. I think in the future if all your entries are like this you will find lots of uses for this assignment
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