Items related to Plots and Players
It is 1594 and William Shakespeare is working on a new play, The Merchant of Venice, amid growing anti-Jewish sentiment in England. Three Jewish children try to save Queen Elizabeth's Jewish physician when he's falsely accused of spying for Spain. Not until Shakespeare meets the Fernandez family does he begin to see the prejudice around him.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author:
Melnikoff was born in London and educated at the North London Collegiate School. A journalist and a playwright as well as a poet, she won the Golden Pen Award of the Jewish Education Committee of New York.
From School Library Journal:
Grade 5-8-- The sights, sounds, and character of Elizabethan England form the compelling background for this tale which focuses on intrigue and bigotry. The plot centers around the conspiracy against Queen Elizabeth I's physician, Dr. Lopez. Readers share in the frustrations of the Fernandez family, Marrano Jews, as they secretly practice their religion, constantly fearful of being discovered. Dr. Lopez intercedes on Robin Fernandez' behalf when the boy is asked to perform in William Shakespeare's production of Romeo and Juliet. Robin's fondness for Dr. Lopez grows so that when the doctor is arrested and unjustly accused of spying against England for Spain, Robin tries to intercede on his behalf. In addition to creating a likable and believable character in Robin, Melnikoff develops the personalities of Shakespeare and the Queen as well. She suggests that both seem to know that anti-Semitism is wrong, but neither expresses a willingness to counter it. Melnikoff has taken a dramatic event in history and created a gripping novel for young readers. History and culture intertwine, educating young readers about less-known episodes of the past. Perhaps more significantly, the book offers its audience a background in the all too extensive history of prejudice and its ramifications. --Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, N.J.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherVallentine Mitchell
- Publication date1993
- ISBN 10 0853032750
- ISBN 13 9780853032755
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages160
- Rating
(No Available Copies)
Search Books: Create a WantIf you know the book but cannot find it on AbeBooks, we can automatically search for it on your behalf as new inventory is added. If it is added to AbeBooks by one of our member booksellers, we will notify you!
Create a Want