What’s inside...
Richly imagined, an audaciously brilliant graphic novel adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Denmark is in turmoil with the palace seething with treachery, suspicion, and intrigue. Prince Hamlet is on a mission to avenge his father's murder, navigating through moral decay and deepening plots. With plays within plays, nothing is what it seems, leading to doubt and betrayal tormenting the Prince until he is propelled into unstoppable violence. Nicki Greenberg's sumptuous staging of the enigmatic play creates an extraordinary visual feast that intensifies the drama, making it unique, gripping, and tragically astounding.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-14
Length
440 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Prince Hamlet
Ophelia
Queen Gertrude
Horatio
Ghost Of King Hamlet
Guildenstern
Rosencrantz
Laertes
Polonius
Claudius
Discussion points
How do you think Hamlet feels about the events happening around him?
Why do you think it's important for Hamlet to find out the truth?
What choices would you make if you were in Hamlet's position?
How do the other characters influence Hamlet's decisions?
What lessons can we learn about trust and honesty from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting each reading session, briefly discuss the main themes of the book to set the context.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' decisions, fostering a deeper understanding of the moral dilemmas.
Compare and contrast behaviors in the story with real-life situations to make the discussions more relatable.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next and discuss the potential outcomes to keep them engaged and thinking critically.
After finishing the book, have a reflective conversation about the overall message and its impact on them personally.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of integrity and moral conscience
Explanation: In 'Hamlet,' the protagonist grapples with right and wrong, particularly in his quest for justice. His internal moral struggle emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's values.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to evaluate their decisions based on their moral compass, helping them make choices that align with their values in their day-to-day life.
Example Lesson: The impact of decisions and consequences
Explanation: Throughout the story, Hamlet’s choices lead to significant consequences not just for him, but also for those around him. This demonstrates the ripple effects that one's actions can have.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in understanding that their actions have consequences that extend beyond themselves and encourages them to think about the outcomes of their actions before making decisions.
Example Lesson: Coping with grief and loss
Explanation: Hamlet is propelled by the grief of losing his father. The story explores various stages of grief and portrays coping mechanisms, highlighting that it is a personal and profound journey.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that experiencing grief is a natural response to loss and that expressing emotions and seeking support can be helpful in managing their feelings.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: Misinterpretations and lack of clear communication lead to tragic events in the play. It shows how vital clear and open communication is in understanding others.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of expressing themselves clearly and listening actively to others to avoid misunderstandings and foster positive relationships.