10+ Best Shakespeare Books for 11-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect introduction to the Bard for your young reader? Look no further! Our list of Shakespeare books for 11-year-olds is tailored to help tweens unlock the magic of Shakespeare's language and stories. Whether your child is a budding thespian or just getting started with classic literature, these adaptations and guides are designed to captivate and educate. Keep reading to discover our top picks that make Shakespeare accessible and fun for 11-year-olds!

Fun Shakespeare Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Tales from Shakespeare by Charles Lamb and Mary Lamb
  • Illustrator: Arthur Rackham
  • Genre(s): Classics, Retellings, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This book presents Shakespeare's works in a form accessible to younger readers. It includes retellings of 20 plays, such as "Romeo and Juliet" and "Hamlet," simplifying complex plots and language but keeping the core themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces Shakespeare's masterpieces in a way that is understandable and engaging for children, encouraging a love for classic literature early on.
  • Perfect for: Young readers new to Shakespeare and those who enjoy classic stories with a twist.

• Shakespeare's Stories for Young Readers by E. Nesbit
  • Genre(s): Classics, Retellings, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This collection features twelve of Shakespeare's most famous plays, adapted into short stories. These adaptations focus on the narratives, making the complex language more accessible.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book makes Shakespeare's plays approachable and fun, helping kids appreciate the storytelling without getting bogged down by the original language.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories and are just starting to explore more complex plots and themes.

• The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This novel follows a young orphan named Widge as he is tasked with stealing Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" from The Globe Theatre. His adventure leads to a deep appreciation of the plays and a moral dilemma about betrayal and honesty.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also imparts a sense of historical context and the magic of theater, making Shakespeare's works more relatable and exciting.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and budding historians who enjoy a good plot with educational undertones.

• Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare by Stephen Greenblatt
  • Genre(s): Biography, Non-Fiction, History
  • Synopsis: Although more advanced, this biography explores Shakespeare’s life and times in a narrative style that connects historical facts with the plays he wrote, offering insights into his inspirations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a backdrop to Shakespeare's plays, helping young readers understand the context in which he wrote, which can deepen their appreciation of the texts.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds interested in history and the personal story behind Shakespeare’s famous works.

• A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories by Angela McAllister
  • Illustrator: Alice Lindstrom
  • Genre(s): Classics, Retellings, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This book includes retellings of twelve of Shakespeare’s plays, accompanied by vibrant illustrations. Each story is simplified to capture the essence of the original plays.
  • Why we recommend this book: The combination of vivid illustrations and clear, engaging text makes Shakespeare's tales come alive for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are visual learners and enjoy seeing stories through both words and art.

Educational Shakespeare Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Brick Shakespeare: The Comedies—A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Taming of the Shrew by John McCann, Monica Sweeney, and Becky Thomas
  • Illustrator: Amanda Brack
  • Genre(s): Classics, Graphic Novels, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This unique book uses LEGO bricks to illustrate scenes from four of Shakespeare’s most famous comedies, making the stories fun and accessible.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Visual literacy, comprehension of complex texts, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a playful and inventive approach that uses a popular toy to engage young readers with Shakespearean narratives.
  • Perfect for: LEGO enthusiasts and young readers who enjoy visual storytelling.

• Shakespeare for Kids: His Life and Times, 21 Activities by Colleen Aagesen and Margie Blumberg
  • Genre(s): Biography, Activity Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book provides an introduction to Shakespeare's life, the Elizabethan era, and includes 21 activities to help kids engage with the material.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, hands-on learning, engagement with literature
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines educational content with interactive projects, making learning about Shakespeare both informative and fun.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy active learning and parents or educators looking for educational projects.

• The Young Person's Guide to Shakespeare by Anita Ganeri
  • Illustrator: Michael Malaghan
  • Genre(s): Biography, Educational, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This book offers a comprehensive overview of Shakespeare's life, works, and the theatrical context of his time with engaging illustrations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of historical context, literary analysis, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thorough introduction to Shakespeare in a format that is easy for children to understand and appreciate.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and literature, especially those who are new to Shakespeare.

• Illustrated Stories from Shakespeare by Rosie Dickins
  • Illustrator: Christa Unzner
  • Genre(s): Classics, Retellings, Illustrated Book
  • Synopsis: This collection retells six of Shakespeare’s plays with rich illustrations and simplified language suitable for younger readers.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, familiarity with classic literature, visual interpretation
  • Why we recommend this book: The beautiful illustrations and clear, engaging text make Shakespeare's stories accessible and enjoyable.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate art and those who benefit from visual aids in understanding complex stories.

Challenging Shakespeare Books for 11-Year-Olds

• King of Shadows by Susan Cooper
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel follows a young American actor, Nat Field, who mysteriously travels back in time to 1599 London and meets William Shakespeare himself while playing at the original Globe Theatre.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative intertwines Elizabethan English with modern language and deals with complex themes such as grief and time travel.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a magical and immersive experience into the world of Shakespeare, making historical figures relatable and inspiring a deeper interest in Shakespearean literature.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love time travel stories and those interested in the historical aspects of theater.

• The Fool's Girl by Celia Rees
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Violetta, a young noblewoman, and her companion, Feste (the clown from "Twelfth Night"), travel from Illyria to Elizabethan London to retrieve a stolen sacred relic. They seek help from William Shakespeare, who uses their story as inspiration for his plays.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features intricate plot twists and richly detailed settings that require careful reading and an understanding of Shakespearean references.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book creatively weaves elements of Shakespeare's works into a new narrative, offering a fresh perspective on familiar characters and themes.
  • Perfect for: Fans of "Twelfth Night" and young readers who enjoy historical adventures with a literary twist.

• Shakespeare's Scribe by Gary Blackwood
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this sequel to "The Shakespeare Stealer," Widge continues his adventures during the outbreak of the bubonic plague in London. He must overcome great obstacles to secure his place in the theatre and survive the challenges of the time.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel explores historical events through the detailed lens of a young actor in Shakespeare's troupe, using period language and complex themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It deepens the reader's understanding of Elizabethan theatre and the societal impacts of the plague, all while providing a gripping, character-driven story.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoyed "The Shakespeare Stealer" and those interested in the survival stories set in historical contexts.

• Eyes of a King by Catherine Banner
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Leo North finds himself drawn into a mysterious world through the pages of an old book. As he reads about another boy living in a different time and world, he begins to question reality and faces his own dangers in a society where free expression is forbidden.
  • Why this book is challenging: This novel combines elements of fantasy with a dystopian reality, challenging readers to keep pace with dual narratives and complex philosophical questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages deep thinking and imagination, pushing the boundaries of typical young adult literature with its innovative narrative structure and themes.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy speculative fiction and stories that challenge perceptions of reality and freedom.

• Secrets of Shakespeare's Grave by Deron R. Hicks
  • Illustrator: Mark Edward Geyer
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Colophon Letterford follows clues that might prove her family's publishing business started by William Shakespeare. The hunt leads her to uncover hidden secrets from the past and save her family's future.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot is filled with ciphers, puzzles, and references to Shakespeare's work that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and history in a way that captivates and educates, making it a thrilling ride for young detectives and historians alike.
  • Perfect for: Young sleuths and any reader with a love for puzzles and Shakespearean lore.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing Shakespeare to 11-year-olds can be a fun and enriching experience. To make the journey into the world of Elizabethan drama more engaging, here are some tailored exercises that will help young readers develop good reading habits while exploring Shakespeare's works.

• Character Mapping
  • What it is: Create a visual map of all the characters in a play and their relationships.
  • How it helps: Helps in understanding complex character interactions and plot developments.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols for different types of relationships or characters.

• Modern Translation
  • What it is: Translate Shakespeare's language into modern-day English.
  • How it helps: Makes the text more accessible and understandable.
  • Tips: Start with key scenes or famous lines to see how the language changes.

• Act It Out
  • What it is: Perform a scene from a play with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of dialogue and character motives.
  • Tips: Don't worry about perfect performance; focus on expression and understanding.

• Quote Reflection
  • What it is: Pick a quote and reflect on its meaning and relevance.
  • How it helps: Encourages deeper thinking about the themes and language of the play.
  • Tips: Choose quotes that resonate personally or seem intriguing.

• Shakespearean Diary
  • What it is: Write a diary entry from the perspective of one of Shakespeare’s characters.
  • How it helps: Develops empathy and a deeper understanding of the characters.
  • Tips: Imagine the character's feelings and reactions to events in the play.

By engaging with Shakespeare's texts through these interactive and thoughtful exercises, 11-year-olds can develop not only an appreciation for classic literature but also enhance their analytical and comprehension skills. Give these exercises a try, and watch young readers transform into budding Shakespeare aficionados!