GARY BLACKWOOD

When an outbreak of the deadly Black Plague closes the Globe Theatre, William Shakespeares acting troupe sets off on a tour of England. Widge, the orphan-turned-actor, knows that hell be useful on the trip. Not only does he love the stage, but his knack for a unique shorthand has proven him one of the most valuable apprentices in the troupe. But then a mysterious man appears, claiming to know a secret from Widges past-a secret that may forever force him from the theatre he loves."An exciting, well-written tale that is sure to leave [readers] clamoring for more." (School Library Journal, starred review)

Intrigue, betrayal, and romance surround Widge as we find him back in London and at the center of things, as usual. Queen Elizabeth, Shakespeares patron, has died, but the new king and his queen love drama-on stage and off. Shakespeare has begun a new play about political intrigue, but real intrigue is close at hand. Someone is stealing from the company, and Shakespeares scripts must be guarded at all costs-including the one he has given up on and turned over to Widge to finish. Widge finds the glory of being a playwright appealing, especially when theres a pretty girl to impress. But spying is even more exciting! Readers swept up in the first two adventures about Widge and Shakespeares players will be enthralled yet again by this third tale with its dramatic twists and turns and an ending worthy of the Bard himself.

¿Y bien? Me seguiste. Tu sentido de la curiosidad pesa más que tu sentido de la pre-caución -el hombre hablaba en tono profundo y mesurado Scott finalmente recuperó el habla.Yo... yo no quería molestarNo te justifiques. Sin la curiosidad, es decir, sin el deseo de ver lo que hay del otro lado de la puerta, no habria ningun progreso. Pue-des sentarte. Habra preguntas."

History?s amazing secrets and codes?and how to crack them yourself. This fascinating look at history?s most mysterious messages is packed with puzzles to decode and ciphers that kids can use themselves. Here are the encrypted notes of Spartan warriors, the brilliant code-crackers of Elizabeth I, secret messages of the American Revolution, spy books of the Civil War, the famous Enigma Machine, and the Navajo code talkers. As computers change the way we communicate, codes today are more intriguing than ever. From invisible ink to the CIA, this exciting trip through history is a hands-on, interactive experience? so get cracking!

Picking up where Jules Vernes Around the World in Eighty Days left off, Phileas Foggs teenage son, Harry, is in trouble. He has made a bet that he can drive a steam-powered motor-car around the world in 100 days. So along with a brilliant but shy mechanic, a sly female journalist, and the son of his opponent in the wager, Harry sets off on a race against time. The trip isnt easy, especially with dissension within the group. The question is, will they be able to finish . . .because the stakes are inconceivably high."A thrilling, thoroughly road-worthy joy ride." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review"Fun and suspenseful." - Booklist

A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR This thought-provoking page-turner is perfect for historical fiction fans seeking an immersive alternate history to how the American Revolution ended. Packed with action, convincing historical speculation, and compelling portrayals of real life and fictional characters, this [is] a page-turner.School Library Journal, starred reviewIn 1776, the rebellion of the American colonies against British rule was crushed. Now, in 1777the year of the hangmanGeorge Washington is awaiting execution, Benjamin Franklins banned rebel newspaper, Liberty Tree, has gone underground, and young neer-do-well Creighton Brown, a fifteen-year-old Brit, has just arrived in the colonies. Having been shipped off against his will, with nothing but a distance for English authorities, Creighton befriends Franklin, and lands a job with his print shop. But the English general expects the spoiled yet loyal Creighton to spy on Franklin. As battles unfold and falsehoods are exposed, Creighton must decide where his loyalties lie . . . a choice that could determine the fate of a nation.

Intrigue, danger, chess, and a real-life hoax combine in this historical novel from the author of The Shakespeare StealerPhiladelphia, PA, 1835. Rufus, a twelve-year-old chess prodigy, is recruited by a shady showman named Maelzel to secretly operate a mechanical chess player called the Turk. The Turk wows ticket-paying audience members and players, who do not realize that Rufus, the true chess master, is hidden inside the contraption. But Rufuss job working the automaton must be kept secret, and he fears he may never be able to escape his unscrupulous master. And what has happened to the previous operators of the Turk, who seem to disappear as soon as Maelzel no longer needs them? Creeping suspense, plenty of mystery, and cameos from Edgar Allan Poe and P. T. Barnum mark Gary Blackwoods triumphant return to middle grade fiction.

A delightful adveture full of humor and heart set in Elizabethan England!Widge is an orphan with a rare talent for shorthand. His fearsome master has just one demand: steal Shakespeares play "Hamlet"--or else. Widge has no choice but to follow orders, so he works his way into the heart of the Globe Theatre, where Shakespeares players perform. As full of twists and turns as a London alleyway, this entertaining novel is rich in period details, colorful characters, villainy, and drama.* "A fast-moving historical novel that introduces an important era with casual familiarity." --School Library Journal, starred review"Readers will find much to like in Widge, and plenty to enjoy in this gleeful romp through olde England" --Kirkus Reviews "Excels in the lively depictions of Elizabethan stagecraft and street life." --Publishers WeeklyAn ALA Notable Book