The Witch of Blackbird Pond

Bibliography:
Speare, Elizabeth George. 1958. The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN: 0440995779

Plot Summary:
Katherine Tyler, also known as Kit, makes an impetuous decision to leave the island of Barbados where she has grown up after her grandfather dies. She boards a ship for the Connecticut colony, where her mother’s sister now resides, upon which she meets John Holbrook, a divinity student, and Nat Eaton, the son’s captain. Kit makes an impression on all she meets, first by swimming (which is known to be a trait of witches) and also by the way in which she dresses. She arrives unannounced, although not entirely unwelcome, to her aunt’s house and begins to learn about the way that they live. Puritanical through and through, Kit and her straight-laced uncle find fault with one another.

As Kit begins to get into the habit of day to day living with her new family, she finds refuge in the sprawling green sea that is the Great Meadows. There she meets and finds a kindred spirit in Hannah, the one known as the witch of Blackbird Pond. They begin to build a relationship and take care of and teach a young girl, Prudence, whose mother despises Kit, Hannah and berates Prudence. After a sickness overtakes the young of the town (leaving Kit’s own favorite cousin, Mercy, near death), Hannah is targeted as the culprit of the plague, resulting in her house being burned to the ground. Hannah escapes thanks to a quick thinking Kit, who leaves her in the care of their mutual friend, Nat. Kit herself is accused of witchcraft and is taken into custody, but is proven to be innocent with help from her friend Nat. She finds herself longing for home and makes a plan to leave, but not before seeing her two cousins married and finding love for herself in the process.

Critical Analysis:
Many different aspects of colonial life are woven through this story, but the main storyline of being a fish out of water will resonate with the young adult audience. Kit finds herself in situations that she is unfamiliar with, from clothing to church-going, and she finds she needs to learn or re-learn many aspects of her life. Use of language, such as thee and thou, as well as incorporation of terminology from the time period help to flesh out the story and create a vivid depiction of the sometimes stoic nature of the colonialists. Vocabulary and historical accuracy lend well to stylizing the story, but the author does not forget that it is a sixteen year old girl that is relating the story to the reader. The reader is able to identify with the feelings that Kit has, regardless of the fact the story is taking place in pre-Revolutionary America.

Of most importance, the story rings authentic. Kit is thrust into a very different kind of life than she was exposed to before and struggles with the newness of the situation daily. She wishes to fit in with her new surrounding, but not without forsaking her values, morals or, most of all, who she truly is. Kit makes the decision to befriend someone she finds worthy of her time, without regard to what others have said. Above all, Kit stays true to what she believes and this is something that the reader can easily see and identify with on all levels.

Awards and Reviews:
A Newbery Medal Book
An ALA Notable Children's Book
Kansas William White Master List

"Strong plot, fully-realized characters, and convincing atmosphere distinguish this historical narrative of a girl whose rebellion against bigotry and her Puritan surroundings culminates in a witch hunt and trial." - Booklist

"This book has a lively plot and excellent characterizations. The background has every dimension of reality." - The New York Times

Connections:
*What was life on a boat like? Kit had to travel a great distance on a ship, so what are some of the things she may have encounter on the voyage? Have the children do a little research on boats and life on a ship to find out the answers to these questions.
*Being accused of being a witch was serious business during the time in which Kit lived. Read true stories of witch trials (be cautious of the material, depending on the age group) and write a reader’s theater starring the kids. Ask questions that get them thinking about what they would do if they were in the same situation as Kit or someone accused of such a crime.

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