Something Rotten

Something Rotten transplants Shakespeare's Hamlet into modern-day Tennessee, where teenager Horatio Wilkes arrives to visit his friend Hamilton Prince. The Prince family owns a paper mill in Denmark, Tennessee, and Hamilton's father has recently died under mysterious circumstances, followed by his mother's quick remarriage to Hamilton's uncle. The story follows Horatio as he investigates claims that Hamilton's father was murdered, all while navigating environmental protests against the paper mill's pollution of the local river. Hamilton's ex-girlfriend Olivia leads the environmental campaign, adding further complications to Horatio's search for the truth. Horatio must work through deception, family politics, and his friend Hamilton's increasingly erratic behavior to uncover what really happened at the paper mill. The investigation leads him through the dark corners of small-town Tennessee and the complex dynamics of the wealthy Prince family. This contemporary mystery draws parallels between Shakespeare's classic tragedy and modern themes of environmental justice, corporate responsibility, and family loyalty. The novel explores how timeless questions of revenge, truth, and moral duty play out in a present-day setting.

Readers praise the book's reimagining of Hamlet in a modern high school setting and its ability to make Shakespeare accessible to young readers. The integration of football, environmentalism, and family dynamics resonates with teens who find traditional Shakespeare challenging. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of Hamlet parallels - Fast-paced narrative - Relatable teenage characters - Football scenes add excitement - Environmental message feels relevant What readers disliked: - Some found the contemporary update too simplified - Environmental subplot felt forced to some readers - Character development could be deeper - A few readers wanted more complexity in the family relationships Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (50+ reviews) One reader noted: "Perfect for students struggling with the original Hamlet - helps them understand the core themes." Another commented: "The environmental storyline takes away from the main plot and feels unnecessary."

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt A teenage boy in 1967 navigates family tensions, the Vietnam War era, and Shakespeare's plays while coming to terms with growing up.

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin Students follow clues and unravel mysteries in a complex puzzle that connects to a wealthy businessman's death.

Dead Wednesday by Jerry Spinelli A middle school student learns life lessons when he's assigned to research and portray a teenager who died in the previous year.

The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd A boy uses logic and deduction to solve the disappearance of his cousin who vanished from a pod on the London Eye Ferris wheel.

Scat by Carl Hiaasen Two students investigate their teacher's disappearance while uncovering an environmental crime in the Florida swamps.

🎭 Danish Prince Hamlet's story was itself based on a Norse legend called "Amleth," which dates back to the 13th century. 🌲 Paper mills, like the one featured in the book, collectively produce about 400 million tons of paper globally each year, making them a significant environmental concern. ✍️ Alan Gratz has written over 20 books for young readers, including multiple award-winning historical fiction novels like "Refugee" and "Ground Zero." 🎬 Since its first performance around 1600, Hamlet has been adapted into over 50 films, making it one of Shakespeare's most frequently reimagined works. 🌍 Environmental activism among teenagers, a key theme in the book, gained global momentum in 2018 with Greta Thunberg's climate strikes, inspiring millions of young people worldwide.