The Merchant of Venice cover

The Merchant of Venice

Author: McDonald, John F.

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)
Book Level 3.8
Points 1.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 8792
Points per Word 0.000114
Page Count 76
Points per Page 0.013158

Description

This graphic novel adaptation retells Shakespeare's romantic comedy about a Venetian merchant, his friend, and a moneylender. Antonio, a merchant in Venice, borrows money from Shylock to help his friend Bassanio win the hand of wealthy heiress Portia in marriage. When Antonio cannot repay the loan, Shylock demands the agreed-upon payment of a pound of flesh. The story culminates in a Venetian court where Portia, disguised as a lawyer, saves Antonio from the gruesome penalty.

Quick Summary

The graphic-novel format transforms Shakespeare's classic drama into a visual feast that pulls readers right into the cutthroat world of Venetian trade. Young readers will be gripped by the high-stakes courtroom showdown where a clever lawyer turns the tables on a merciless money-lender, and they'll root for the witty heroine who dresses as a man to save the day. If your kid loves the clever wordplay and dramatic twists in Roald Dahl's books, they'll devour this Shakespearean tale. Perfect for kids in grades 4 through 8 who are ready for a suspenseful story that makes classic literature feel fresh and doable.