Stink: Hamlet and Cheese (Stink, #11) by Megan McDonald
Published by Candlewick Press on March 13th 2018
ISBN: 0763691631
Pages: 144
Goodreads

Hie thee to Shakespeare camp with Stink to learn fake sword-fighting, spout silly curses, and prithee try to escape a kiss . . . BLUCK!

It's spring break, and Stink is faced with a difficult choice: hang out at home with his sister, Judy, or become a Shakespeare Sprite with his friend Sophie of the Elves. Hanged be! When Sophie tells Stink that there will be swordplay and cursing at Shakespeare camp, his choice is made. But wait! How now? The eager young thespian hadn't counted on Riley Rottenberger being a Sprite, too. And he positively had not counted on being the only boy! Fie upon't!

The eleventh entry of the Stink series is good fun for the characters as well as the readers.  Stink signs up for a spring break Shakespeare camp without knowing all the facts which places him in a tough spot.  The story is amusing and somewhat educational as the camp participants learn about Shakespeare literature.  Sword fighting is perhaps the biggest draw while the threat of an unwanted kiss is the largest horror of the week. 

Stink readers will recognize family and classmates but that knowledge is not necessary to enjoy this title.   The story can stand alone and will be appreciated by most readers.   The only issue for some may be the beginning of a romantic interest; are Stink readers ready for a big kiss scene?

Libraries that collect the series need to add this immediately.  Stink books also make great gifts for young readers and K – 2 classroom teacher collections.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME