Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Is There Something Going On or is it Much Ado About Nothing?

Hero Netherfield and her family move and she must begin 6th grade at a new school. With her unique name, she knows there will be lots of teasing. Her parents are big Shakespeare fans and they named her after a girl in one of his books, Much Ado About Nothing. Even though Hero could care less about where her name came from she suddenly starts to notice connections to her namesake and Shakespeare all over the place. She meets her next door neighbor, Mrs. Ross, who piques her interest with a mystery about a diamond hidden in her new house. Then, there is Danny Cordova, the most popular boy in school, who is confusing her at every turn. Does he want to be her friend or is he being cruel? Do all of the clues Hero is finding mean anything? Is there really a diamond hidden in her house? Or is it all – just much ado about nothing? Hero will take you on an adventure as she tries to find out!

I am so happy that I stumbled upon Shakespeare’s Secret by Elise Broach. I was drawn to the cover because it looked mysterious and interesting. Not only was there suspense and action, but I learned a lot about history and Shakespeare along the way. I am now fascinated by Shakespeare and am curious about whether or not he really did write the books he is credited with writing. I guess I will have to do some research! Who knew there was so much debate about him? I think Hero is a character that many kids can relate to because she is down to earth and feels like she doesn’t fit in all the time. I like that she is kind to people of all ages, because that is important. I think this book is great for anyone in 4th grade and up. With the references to Shakespeare and some of the vocabulary it could be hard for a 3rd grader to read on their own, but I think they would enjoy reading it with an adult.

Has anyone else read Shakespeare’s Secret? Or have you read another book by Elise Broach?

Happy Reading! ~L

18 comments:

  1. Wow, this book sounds great!! I'm going to have to add it to my ever growing list of books to read :) Great review!

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    1. Thanks, Mel! I enjoyed the book and learned about history at the same time! :)

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  2. This sounds like a fun read! Thanks for reviewing.

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  3. I have not read anything by this author but I would have been intrigued by the cover, too.

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    1. Patty- The cover is so intriguing. I am looking forward to reading more of this author's books.

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  4. I've never heard of the author or her books. I love this storyline. Sometimes I think children's stories are more fun to read than many adult books. Maybe children's authors just have better imaginations.

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    1. Donna- Children's books are so fun! The author has written some picture books and she has 4 MG books out. I am looking forward to reading more of her books. :)

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  5. Ooh, this sounds good! Thanks for the recommendation!

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  6. I haven't read this one yet, but I loved King of Shadows (Susan Cooper). This sounds like it could be just as much fun!

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    1. I just Googled King of Shadows and I want to read it now! It seems like the two books have a lot in common. I loved trying to solve a mystery and learning about history! Thanks for stopping by! :)

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  7. Nice review! By the way, Christian has read your book. Check it out. http://thedelivererssharkeyandthejewel.blogspot.com

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    1. Glad you liked the review! We just checked out what Christian had to say about The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow and we are over the top. We hope that everyone will stop by your blog and check it out : ) ~ Jess & Stephanie

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  8. My son would love your job...reading books and writing reviews! i like your review very much... you got me interested in this book!

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    1. Reading and writing reviews is lots of fun! That is great that your son loves to read so much. Glad you enjoyed the review so much and that you are now interested in this book! :)

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  9. This book sounds great. I love a good mystery.

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    1. If you like mysteries- then you will love this book!

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