Publisher: Luath Press Ltd

Eddie Shakespeare was the playwright’s very much lesser-known younger brother, but Barbara Henderson brings him thoroughly to life in this lively and imaginative novel for 9-12s.

Eddie is confident, reckless and desperate to follow his brother to the theatres of London and escape his fate as Stratford’s next glovemaker apprentice. His adventurous nature will draw children into the story initially, before he uncovers a plot against his brother Will, hatched by jealous rivals (Christopher Marlowe among them) and the pace really picks up. I really enjoyed all the accurate historical and theatrical detail Henderson has woven into the book – children will really get a feel for London at the time, as well as Tudor theatre – like boys playing women, the raucous and unpredictable nature of open air theatres, and the quick changeover of plays, players and playwrights.

I also liked the inclusion of a new friend for Eddie in Reasonable, a silk master’s apprentice, and the first Black person he has ever met. You can tell Henderson loves to write stories peppered with and threaded around historical fact – she does it so well. The plot remains simple and uncomplicated throughout.

Overall, it’s a great way to introduce children to Shakespeare and Tudor London!