This is on the young side, but very enjoyable. People were talking about it on one of the YA lists I'm on, so I'll have to go back and check if they thought it could be included in a YA collection or if its more of a children's book. I finished it on tape in the car on the way to work this morning.
The Shakespeare Stealer
by Gary Blackwood
Dutton, l998, 216 pages
Recorded Books; Unabridged edition (March 1, 2001)
This tale of a 14-year-old Yorkshire orphan sent by a rival theater manager to steal the as-yet-unpublished Hamlet in 1601 by copying it down as it is being performed, using an early system of shorthand. Through new friendships and unexpected job opportunities, Widge becomes quite close to those he must steal the play from. Will Widge be able to walk away from his new way of life and friends, or will he face his master and keep the play, "Hamlet" safe?
School Library Journal writes, "Tentative readers might be put off by Widge's Yorkshire dialect, but the words are explained in context. Wisely, much of the theater lingo is not explained and becomes just one more part of the vivid background through which the action moves. This is a fast-moving historical novel that introduces an important era with casual familiarity." In their review of the audio version, they add: "Actor Ron Keith's narration adds a strong auditory element to the story. The veteran narrator uses his well-developed talent to change voices for the characters, and employs inflecting vocal tones and silence to craft fuller personalities. Each voice is tailored to fit the subtleties of the character, as in the wicked Falconer. This is a great supplement to any language arts curriculum to enhance a Shakespeare unit, and a wonderful story just to enjoy."
This would be a great way to introduce kids to Shakespeare's time (it's like Shakespeare in Love for kids). "By giving students an easy to read novel that shows great insight concerning the cultural mores and customs during this time period, you as teachers will not have to explain the cultural backgrounds concerning Shakespeare's works. The story is set in and around London, England in the mid 1600's." (http://faculty.ssu.edu/~elbond/stealer.htm)
It could lead to some interesting discussions of intellectual property, gender roles, friendship & loyalty... and maybe leave you bitten with the theater bug!
Ages 9-14, Grade 4-8
There's a sequel as well: Shakespeare's Scribe
In this sequel to THE SHAKESPEARE STEALER, the plague comes to London, the Globe Theater closes down, and Widge and his fellow players have to travel all around England, performing in city squares, innyards, and guild halls. In a starred review, School Library Journal calls it "An exciting, well-written tale that is sure to leave young thespians clamoring for more."