Final answer:
The correct word to complete the sentence is 'piqued'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct word to complete the sentence is piqued. A childhood reading of 'Tales from Shakespeare' permanently piqued Helene's interest in studying the Great Bard. The word 'piqued' means to spark or arouse interest. In this context, it means that Helene's interest was ignited or stimulated by reading 'Tales from Shakespeare'.