The Juliet Spell

I wanted the role of Juliet more than anything. I studied hard. I gave a great reading for it—even with Bobby checking me out the whole time. I deserved the part.

I didn't get it. So I decided to level the playing field, though I actually might have leveled the whole play. You see, since there aren't any Success in Getting to Be Juliet in Your High School Play spells, I thought I'd cast the next best—a Fame spell. Good idea, right?

Yeah. Instead of bringing me a little fame, it brought me someone a little famous. Shakespeare. Well, Edmund Shakespeare. William's younger brother.

Good thing he's sweet and enthusiastic about helping me with the play...and—ahem—maybe a little bit hot. But he's from the past. Way past. Cars amaze him—cars! And cell phones? Ugh.

Still, there's something about him that's making my eyes go star-crossed....

Douglas Rees has written a wide range of titles for young readers, including humor, historical fiction, and picture books. He holds several awards, including the Nutmeg State Award for young adult fiction. When he isn't writing for kids, he works with them as a young adult librarian. He lives in the San Francisco Bay area with his wife, Jo, who is the model for the outgoing, lycanthropic librarian in the Vampire High novels.