The Boy Who Became Queen: The Story of a Young Actor in Shakespeare’s London

Graphic story, set in Shakespeare’s London, of how an orphan street boy became a star in the role of Queen Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In the bustling world of Elizabethan London, Jack is an orphan boy making his living as a street singer. But his beautiful voice attracts attention and he is snatched away to join the Blackfriars singing troupe. When they give a concert at the royal court, Jack is spotted by William Shakespeare. At the Queen’s command, Jack starts work at the Globe Theatre, fetching, carrying, helping, learning. But Shakespeare has plans for this talented boy. In those days boys played the parts of women and girls on stage, and the playwright needs a ＂special boy＂ who can act and sing as the proud Queen Titania in his magical new play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Christina Balit studied at the Chelsea School of Art and the Royal College of Art in London. She has illustrated more than 20 books, the most recent for Otter-Barry Books being The Corinthian Girl (2021). She is a past winner of the US Parents Guide to Children’s Media Award.