The Young Reader's Shakespeare: Hamlet

by Adam McKeown, Sally Wern Comport (Illustrator)

Introducing a new series sure to delight children, parents, librarians, educators, and
THE YOUNG READER'S SHAKESPEARE.

"Your uncle?" Horatio said, startled by his friend's words. "Murdered his own brother? I don't believe it."
"You didn't believe in ghosts either," Hamlet said. "But there are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy. I tell you, something is rotten in the state of Denmark."

A dramatic and modern retelling of the classic drama with superb art throughout. Written by an outstanding scholar, this made-just-for-them Hamlet will foster in children a lifetime love of the Bard. The language is simple yet eloquent, and draws the children into the story with superb dialogue, vivid description, and careful attention to the flow of events. The skillful blending of Shakespeare's own lines with modern language and illuminating information enhances youngsters' involvement and comprehension. There's background on Shakespeare and the play; answers to FAQs, such as "Why isn't Hamlet sure if he can trust the ghost?" and a "Who's Who" of the characters. The story unfolds in awe-inspiring art, from full-page spreads to revealing details. Young Reader's Shakespeare is a powerful visual and reading experience.


Adam McKeown has taught Shakespeare, Renaissance culture, and writing at New York University, Clarkson University, and Princeton, and is currently a professor at Adelphi University in Long Island.


Sally Wern Comport has won awards from the Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts Magazine, Print Magazine, and Spectrum. Sally's recent books Brave Margaret, Skeleton Man, and The Great Expedition of Lewis and Clark. She serves on the faculty of the Maryland Institute, College of Art.

Genres: Shakespeare, Classics, Retellings, Plays

80 pages, Hardcover

First published May 28, 2003

Reviews

[Virgil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not enough Horatio.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was beautifully and simply written. To write this play a a story with chapters was a brilliant idea, especially for younger audiences. That being said I would recommend it for any high-school student studying this play. A delight to read regardless of age. Beautifully illustrated.

[alisonwonderland (Alison) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this just prior to seeing a production of ‘Hamlet’ at the Utah Shakespeare Festival.

[Lady reading under the Willow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam McKeown does a superb job with the texts of his Shakespeare retellings. This is in chapter-format and would be great to use as an introduction to Hamlet in middle or high school.

I didn't care for the illustrations; they seemed to make cartoon-like caricatures of the characters, and it just seemed inappropriate to the tragic themes of the story.

Note: The phrase "God's blood" is used to curse. A ghost, murder, poison, and death are all themes in Hamlet.

[Cricket Muse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced prose version of Shakespeare’s Hamlet that provides a worthwhile introduction to the famous play.

[Juliette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated, accessible version for middle school (or early high school) students. This author has a whole series of Shakespeare adaptations for young readers. I think that these versions can be great supplements for students who are working on Shakespeare plays in theatre and don't have a solid grasp of the time or the language. The Young Reader's Shakespeare series includes introductions about Shakespeare and frequently asked questions & answers. If you are new to teaching Hamlet or just want something to help some of your nervous students, this book is great. Also, since it is a paperback, it doesn't look like a children's hardcover book. I love Bruce Coville's Shakespeare adaptations, but some of my older students automatically think "children's book" and won't really spend any time with them.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn't hard to read and it makes the story of Hamlet accessible and understandable for children and adults alike. Now that I've finished this version, I want to experience the original again.