Long before there was John Hughes, Judy Blume, or any other recent chronicler of the teen experience and the sundry joys and pains that go with it, there was William Shakespeare. In his plays, he tackled young adult angst, love, and lust as it played out in tragic relationships, parental power struggles, and plain old frothy flirtation. So, of course, the Bard\u2019s stories are ripe for reenactment on the pages of teen novels, and these 11 books prove the timelessness of his genius.<\/p>\n
no no 9780593406755 Enter the Body<\/i> by Joy McCullough <\/p>\n
What better way to read about the Bard than with a novel-in-verse? Joy McCullough\u2019s extraordinary YA novel gives four dead teenage girls from Shakespeare\u2019s plays the chance to compare notes. Juliet, Ophelia, Cordelia, and Lavinia tell their stories in their own words, sharing their lives, loves, and tragic endings. This book is a must-read for any Shakespeare fan!<\/p>\n
9780525516309 Verona Comics<\/i> by Jennifer Dugan <\/p>\n
Romeo and Juliet get their geek on in this adorable retelling of the classic story. Two teens from rival comic book stores meet and fall in love despite their parents\u2019 long-time feud. With themes of sexual identity, first love, and mental health, this is the perfect book for modern Shakespeare lovers.<\/p>\n
9781683691754 William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Clueless<\/i> by Ian Doescher, illustrated by Kent Barton <\/p>\n
\u201cBehold what challenges to Cher arrive \u2014 The romance of a virgin who can\u2019t drive.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cher and the Bard collide in the best way possible in this hilarious retelling of Clueless<\/i> in iambic pentameter. Inside jokes, Easter eggs, and illustrations throughout make it a feast for fans of the iconic 90s movie. <\/p>\n
9781101994603 Exit, Pursued by a Bear<\/i> by E.K. Johnston <\/p>\n
Hermione Winters, whose story arc draws comparison with that of Queen Hermione in A Winter\u2019s Tale<\/em><\/a>, is at the top of her game as a competitive cheerleader at her high school. But when she attends a party at summer camp and someone slips a drug into her drink when she\u2019s not looking, everything changes. After that night, she must cope with what comes in the wake of her sexual assault, including an unexpected pregnancy. Powerful, heartbreaking, beautiful, and inspiring, Exit, Pursued by a Bear <\/em>is best suited for mature teen readers.<\/p>\n 9780763668075 Romeo and Juliet<\/i> by Gareth Hinds <\/p>\n Gareth Hinds combines Shakespeare\u2019s classic play with a diverse cast in this bestselling graphic novel retelling of Romeo and Juliet<\/i>. Readers will love the vibrant, full-color artwork that brings the play\u2019s drama, action, and romance to modern YA readers.<\/p>\n 9781623543693 Henry Hamlet’s Heart<\/i> by Rhiannon Wilde <\/p>\n Henry Hamlet sees himself as a sort of tragic Shakespearian character doomed to a life of awkwardness. His entire world gets turned upside down when he falls in love with his best friend and must navigate the transition from friends to lovers. The two boys secretly date, overthink everything, and learn who they are in this sweet romance novel set in Australia. <\/p>\n 9780451414427 Prince of Shadows<\/i> by Rachel Caine <\/p>\n This heart-pounding novel retells Romeo and Juliet<\/i> from Benvolio\u2019s point of view as he grapples with his own romance. Every night, Benvolio slips into the shadows of Verona and steals valuables from wealthy families all over the city. When he meets and falls in love with Rosaline, he puts himself, his house, and his future at risk.<\/p>\n 9780451478665 If I’m Being Honest<\/i> by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka <\/p>\n YA readers everywhere love this fresh and funny rom-com inspired by The Taming of the Shrew<\/i>! Cameron\u2019s brutal honesty causes her crush to lose interest in her, so she decides to change her ways and make amends with the people she has offended. However, an unexpected romance with a boy who appreciates her directness makes her think twice about changing her personality.<\/p>\n 9780385740173 Juliet Immortal<\/i> by Stacey Jay <\/p>\n After they died, Romeo and Juliet were both granted immortality and, for the last 700 years, have fought over the souls of mortal lovers. Now, Juliet has a second chance at love. But first, she\u2019ll have to defeat her immortal enemy, Romeo. Keep the fun and romance going with the sequel, Romeo Redeemed<\/i><\/a>!<\/p>\n 9780763629397 Shakespeare Bats Cleanup<\/i> by Ron Koertge <\/p>\n