THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Speare, Elizabeth George. 1958. THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0395071143.

PLOT SUMMARY
In the late 1600’s a young girl named Kit travels from Barbados to the Puritan Colony of Connecticut after her grandfather’s death. She must transition from a life of freedom she had with her grandfather to a strict and religious life with her aunt and uncle. Kit is befriended by Hannah, an old Quaker woman known in the community as “The Witch”. Kit’s free and spirited-nature causes some residents to believe she is also a witch. Kit puts her life in danger to protect Hannah when the community suddenly embarks on a witch hunt.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The classic story of The Witch of Blackbird Pond gives readers a glimpse of Early Colonial America which details people’s beliefs and religious doctrines in the late 17th century. Kit, a sixteen year old, who’s wealthy and prosperous lifestyle, is short-lived once she moves from Barbados to New England to live with her religious Puritanical relatives after the death of her grandfather. Because of her impulsivity, harmless gestures and friendships, she must deal with the town targeting her as a witch. Amidst the politics and religion of the colonial world, Speares also presents a little romance with Kit and Nathaniel Eaton, the Captain’s son.

This book is full of information about life in a Puritan Colony. The reader gets a sense of the difficulties faced by early settlers such as religious persecution, political unrest, illness, and work in the late 1600’s. Young readers will enjoy this compelling story of Early Colonial America.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Review from Horn Book: The New England of colonial times…is realistically drawn as background for a solidly written character study.

Review from New York Times: the book has a lively plot and excellent characterizations. The background has every dimension of reality.

CONNECTIONS
Discuss Puritanism in New England with students:
What’s a Puritan? Why did they come to America? What’s the difference between a Puritan and a Pilgrim? What would it be like to live in a family of Puritans? What is a Quaker?

Elizabeth Speare’s other Newbery Award Books:
The Bronze Bow
The Sign of the Beaver