King of Shadows worksheets

Answer each question fully making specific reference to the text

when possible.

1. What specific evidence did Nat have, once he had

returned to the 20th century, that he had travelled back in
time?

2. a. What school did the historic Nat Field attend?

b. What company of actors did he join in 1600?

c. What acting company did he join as an ‘actor-writer’ in 1616?

3. What might be the significance of Arby’s name?

4. On page 168, Gil lists three powers or forces which might be responsible for
switching the two Nats. What are these forces and which do you believe
brought about the switch?

5. In The Tempest, Prospero says to Ariel, ‘I shall miss thee, but still thou shalt
have freedom.’ What meaning might this have for Nat?

6. How did Susan Cooper indicate when time travel was occurring in this novel
and how effective did you think this was?

Page references are to the Puffin 2000 edition.

© 2007 www.teachit.co.uk 7179.doc Page 1 of 3
King of Shadows worksheets
Look closely at pages 62 to 64 of ‘King of Shadows’ and answer
the following questions using complete sentences.

1. Read again the description of the girl on page 62. What

adjectives (describing words) does Susan Cooper use to
describe her?

2. Why does Roper tell the boys to hold their noses (bottom of page 62)?

3. In a few sentences, describe what bear baiting is (as described on page 63).

4. How does Nat’s reaction to the bear baiting differ from that of most of the
crowd?

5. What does Nathan realise about the bear on page 64 and how does it make
him feel?

6. Why do you think Susan Cooper has included this incident in the book?

Page references are to the Puffin 2000 edition.

© 2007 www.teachit.co.uk 7179.doc Page 2 of 3
King of Shadows worksheets

BOOK REPORT
Before starting your book review of ‘King of Shadows’,
answer the following questions.
1. How would you feel by the end of the book if you were Nat?

2. Have you ever felt like any of the characters in this book in real life? If so,
when and why?

3. What incidents in this book stood out for you and had the most impact?

4. How would you describe the quality of Susan Cooper’s writing? Can you give
examples where you think her use of language is particularly striking?

5. Have you read any books similar to this one?

6. Did you try to guess the ending before it happened? If so, were you right?
What gave you clues about the ending?

7. Who would you recommend this story to and why?

Now think about how you will organise your final review.
• Will you make the answer to each question a paragraph?
• Will you combine some ideas and / or discard some questions?
• In what order will you address the questions?
9 Remember to avoid starting every sentence with ‘I’.
9 Find words other than ‘like’ to use. How about ‘appreciate’, ‘enjoy’ or ‘admire’?
9 Use a thesaurus!

Page references are to the Puffin 2000 edition.

© 2007 www.teachit.co.uk 7179.doc Page 3 of 3