Shakespeare and Me (Cover-To-Cover Novels: Historical Fiction)
illustrations by
What’s inside...
When thirteen-year-old Rosalind flees her orphanage in 1599 and joins a group of traveling thespians, her own unexpected acting debut at London's Globe Theater has surprising results.
Age
8-9
Length
67 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think inspired William Shakespeare to write his plays and poems?
How do the characters' feelings and experiences in the story relate to everyday life?
In what ways do the people and places of Shakespeare's time seem different from today? In what ways are they similar?
Why do you think friendship and loyalty are important themes in this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, briefly introduce your child to the historical context of Shakespeare's time to deepen their understanding and connection with the story.
Encourage your child to express their opinions about the story. Ask them which parts they enjoyed the most and why.
Relate discussions to personal experiences. For example, talk about a time when you or your child had to make a tough decision, similar to a character in the book.
After reading the book, watch a Shakespearean play or movie adaptation together to further explore its themes and characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: In 'Shakespeare and Me,' the protagonist faces numerous challenges in mastering the art of acting and understanding Shakespeare’s plays. Their determination to succeed despite difficulties exemplifies perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply perseverance in their own lives by tackling their studies and personal challenges with determination and patience, understanding that success often requires consistent effort.
Example Lesson: Understanding historical contexts
Explanation: The book places the reader in the Elizabethan era, providing insights into the history and customs of the time, all while exploring Shakespeare's works.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate the importance of context in understanding literature and history, enhancing their academic learning and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: The value of literary education
Explanation: Through the protagonist’s journey, the narrative shows how engaging with literature, specifically Shakespeare's plays, enriches language skills and personal expression.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to read more and explore various texts to improve their language abilities and express themselves more effectively.
Example Lesson: Empathy through diverse perspectives
Explanation: As characters in the book navigate their relationships and societal roles, readers are exposed to different perspectives and motivations, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson supports children in understanding and respecting different viewpoints in their daily interactions, promoting social harmony and personal growth.
Example Lesson: The importance of pursuing passions
Explanation: Characters in 'Shakespeare and Me' show a deep passion for theater, which drives them to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of identifying and pursuing their passions, which can lead to a fulfilling career and personal life.