The Playmaker, by J. B. Cheaney, is a YA novel set in London during Shakespeare's time. Richard Malory, the main character, finds a position with Shakespeare's company after the death of his mother forces him to make his own way in the world. He is a reluctant actor at first but soon finds that he has talent. A mystery involving his missing father distracts him, though, and he soon finds himself playing detective.
This time period has always fascinated me, so I enjoyed reading this story, but I found that many of the characters are thinly drawn and it was difficult to follow the twists and turns of the plot. Still, a good one to recommend to students who want an historical fiction novel set in the Elizabethan era.
I just finished reading Much Ado About Grubstake, by Jean Ferris. Many of her YA novels are about serious topics such as teen pregnancy and juvenile delinquency, but this is one of three lighter, humorous novels she has written (the other two are Love Among the Walnuts and Once Upon a Marigold). In these books, the bad guys are really bad, and the good guys may be a bit bumbling but they have their hearts in the right place, and all turns out well in the end.
Much Ado About Grubstake is set in 1888 in a small mining town (population 62) in the Colorado mountains. A stranger comes to town and wants to buy all of the mines, but the heroine, Arley, becomes suspicious and turns detective to try to find out why. This is a lighthearted and fun read, and I recommend it.
This week I read Hatching Magic, by Ann Downer. Lots to like here -- time travel AND wizards! The main character's name is Theodora Oglethorpe, an 11-year-old girl who is very into a Dungeons & Dragons-like fantasy world called Wizards & Wyverns. There is also a 13th-century wizard and his real wyvern named Wycca, who is about to become a mother. Mix these two worlds together and you get a charming adventure!
I just finished reading The Falconer's Knot by Mary Hoffman. This is a young adult mystery set in 14th century Italy. On the front cover it says, "A Story of Friars, Flirtation and Foul Play." I was reminded of Girl with a Pearl Earring because the characters are involved in preparing colors for artists to work with. There is much to learn here about Franciscan friars, art history, and the lives of women in 14th century Italy. At the same time, it is a well-paced mystery and I enjoyed it very much!
The boys, Brian, and I are currently reading The Time Thief by Linda Buckley-Archer. This is the second book in a planned trilogy. The first was originally titled Gideon the Cutpurse but has since been renamed The Time Travelers. I like the original title better because it seems more imaginative and intriguing, but I suppose the author wanted to emphasize the time travel theme.
Anyway, we are all enjoying these books. There is a quote from School Library Journal on the cover of The Time Thief that says, "May very well give J. K. Rowling a run for her money." I don't know if these books will be as popular as Harry Potter, but Buckley-Archer's time travel theme is one of those ideas that both childlren and adults enjoy dreaming about.
I have finished books 1 and 2 and am eagerly awaiting the publication of book 3.
