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. ( )

Hero, named for the character in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, moved with her family to Maryland as a consequence her father's academic career. Once in her new House, Hero hears that there is supposed to be a precious diamond hidden somewhere on the property. Her pursuit of the jewel, as well as the creepy attention of a strange neighbor and a "popular" boy add to the strange mystery of Hero's new surroundings. Hero's quest to plumb the mysteries of her new home is an adventure story that would appeal to the inquisitive side of students and would be good free reading.

This book could be used in a fifth-grade class to teach foreshadowing and making inferences. This book, as a mystery book, is full of opportunities for readers to foreshadow events in the book. Students could read independently and as a class could discuss what they think is going to happen when they reach certain predetermined points. Reading in this manner will teach them to be looking for things in books that can lead them to make inferences based on what is written. ( )

I thought this book was entertaining but not the best young adult book I have read. It was an interesting look at a 12 year old girl's life who's father is a professor of Shakespeare. Her parents gifted her with Hero as a name which although popular amongst Shakespeare fans not so popular in school. The family recently moved to a new city and Hero finds herself friendly with an elderly woman next door who tells her a story about a missing diamond (rumored to be in the house Hero and her family now occupy) and a connection to Anne Boleyn.

I thought the history was interesting. Supposedly the necklace that the diamond was originally set into most likely belonged to Anne Boleyn at one time and was handed down through the generations to the woman who used to live in the house Hero's family bought. What I thought was even more interesting was that I never heard the rumors that perhaps William Shakespeare didn't write his works at all. In this book Edward de Vere was discussed a lot and the rumors that he may have been Elizabeth I's illegitimate son and he may have been the writer behind all of Shakespeare's work. Like I said it was very interesting and I enjoyed that part of the book completely. The necklace part of the story was completely invented by Broach according to her notes found in the book but the other information on the speculation of Shakespeare identity is quite true.

I didn't like that the mystery of the million dollar diamond was solved by 2 children age 12 and 14. What kind of inept police department does that city have that after scouring the house looking for the diamond the police give up but 2 children find it in about an a couple of hours. Granted the children had a clue that the police didn't have but still.
If it weren't for that unfortunate issue this book would actually be very good. This book is a young adult novel but is very good for children younger. Anywhere from 10 I would say. There are no adult themes whatsoever but does have some bullying name calling (no physical bullying) from Hero's classmates. 3.5 Stars
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What ages would I recommend it too? – Eight and up.

Length? – Most of a day’s read.

Characters? – Memorable, several characters.

Setting? – Real world, small town.

Written approximately? – 2005.

Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? – Yes. What does Danny's father think of the change of events, and Mrs. Roth being his mother-in-law? What really happens to Anna? Does she visit? What really happened to make her a runaway? What about the diamond? Does Hero ever meet Mr. Murphy? Does he come back and talk to Mrs. Roth?.

Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? No. The author does an excellent job of explaining the history in a fun and enlightening way, including the way inflation has made what many today would call pocket change, was once a lifetime's worth fortune.

Short storyline: A girl named Hero moves to an unnamed small town and begins a life. She meets her neighbor, an elderly woman and with her only friend, Danny, they search for a missing diamond.

Notes for the reader: This is a good adventure for all ages. There is a hint of romance, or perceived romance. ( )