Orphaned Kit Tyler knows, as she gazes for the first time at the cold, bleak shores of Connecticut Colony, that her new home will never be like the shimmering Caribbean island she left behind. In her relatives' stern Puritan community, she feels like a tropical bird that has flown to the wrong part of the world, a bird that is now caged and lonely. The only place where Kit feels completely free is in the meadows, where she enjoys the company of the old Quaker woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond, and on occasion, her young sailor friend Nat. But when Kit's friendship with the "witch" is discovered, Kit is faced with suspicion, fear, and anger. She herself is accused of witchcraft!
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""With her cats. There's always a cat around. People say she's a witch" Christians say witch like its a bad thing. This book was meaningful in so many ways. Taking place where I grew up, a sub plot was the story of the Charter Oak-(see the Connecticut quarter), and mostly showed the attitude at that time which is alarmingly becoming more so today. White Christians thinking devils and demons were everywhere. Everybody but them was going to hell."
— John (5 out of 5 stars)
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 audiobook was very interesting. The narrator was very clear. My 8th grader and I really enjoyed it! Highly recommend! "
— Alina Ilchuk, 9/7/2020" 5th Newbery Medal winner book I've read as a challenge with friends. I have to admit, it was hard for me to get into this book, but I am glad I stuck with it. It was a great ending that I saw coming but didn't see how it would get there! "
— Marcy, 2/7/2014" It was good!! Enjoyed it! "
— Chiyomi, 2/4/2014" I think this was an extremely well written book... It had the thoughts and devotions of a girl who has a mind of her own, and tries to do the right thing. It made me swim in the words, and dare to turn the page... "
— Katie, 1/24/2014" We read this in my fifth grade advanced English class...couldn't stand it! "
— JT, 1/12/2014" This is a book I could read every year. "
— Melissa, 1/8/2014" I forgot how angry the witch trial segment made me ... People are nuts. "
— Maria, 12/25/2013" This book brought to my attention how little I know about Pre-Revolutionary America. The Puritans were intense! The story was a bit too much about matchmaking and marriage for me. However, I did enjoy Kit's attempts to find her place in town and her forbidden friendships. "
— Adrianne, 12/21/2013" One of my childhood favs - read it every year "
— Sue, 12/11/2013" Good, quick read. I really enjoyed the characters. "
— Emma, 11/27/2013" This story was really good. I loved Nat and Judith. They were my favorite characters. I loved how it kept me suspenseful. "
— Hannahcs, 11/14/2013" I had forgotten how simply splendid this book is. "
— Sara, 9/21/2013" I really like this book. I really liked Nat (her lover), Hannah was ok,Kit I felt lied to much but I get the idea that she was sorry for it. Without Nat the book would be horrable. Kit I liked I just hated the way she lied. "
— Smith, 8/30/2013" After reading this book a few years ago, Speares' description of Barbados still urges me to visit this island! Sweet, innocent story telling at its best. "
— Sandi, 8/26/2013" Really good story, we liked it. We want to go to Barbados now. "
— Silas, 8/25/2013" What a perspective from this book. An excellent book to read for all ages. "
— Greg, 8/8/2013" A historical read for all ages provides a glimpse into pre-revolutionary war America and the Salem witch trials. Kit is a strong-willed protagonist who grows and evolves in the story. It also delves into family relationships and the difference between perception and reality. "
— Susan, 7/14/2013" I did a book report in 7th grade on this. To my recollection, I really liked it. I think it involves puritanism. "
— Nora, 3/11/2013" I thought this book was simply amazing, I loved the story and the romance, although I read this book a long time ago and have kinda forgotten it I remember it making me happy and I really liked this book :P "
— Rateeba, 1/5/2013" This was one of my favorite books growing up and is still a good story. "
— Shaun, 12/13/2012" I'll like any book with a little suspense and a happy ending. "
— Ginger, 8/4/2012" I enjoyed seeing who life was like in the late 1600's. It was infuriating at times seeing how ignorance & fear made people angry & violent. This is the book that made me fall in love with Barbados when I was a little girl. "
— Sierra, 4/14/2012" One of my childhood favorites. Just reread it again, and it did not disappoint! "
— Karla, 11/21/2011" Just re-read this book - had totally forgotten how good it is!! Definitely worth checking out again!! A great entree into the world of witch trials and early America. "
— Kathy, 10/25/2011" Can't believe I haven't read this one before! Such a cute, charming story and an easy read. If you haven't read this yet, I highly recommend! "
— Chelsea, 6/2/2011" Oooh...Four point five stars. Oooh....<br/>Love this book. "
— Maddie, 5/16/2011" Good strong female character... good story about the Puritanical perspective and witch hunts. Happy ending. "
— Ashley, 5/16/2011" Read this with my young daughter....Enjoyed it very much... "
— Kathy, 5/11/2011" Okay, I read this a REALLY long time ago but just found it in Ann Morton Voskamp's recommended reading list and remembered that I'd read it. It is a good book! I want to read it again sometime. "
— Krista, 5/11/2011" I always love a happy ending. "
— Sandy, 5/7/2011" I read this book when I was about 12 and I loved it! I think I read it at least three or four times. Some of the imagery still stays with me today, and I am in my thirties. I am looking forward to sharing this book with my ch8ldren when they get a little older. "
— Amy, 5/3/2011" I thought this book was really good!! (: "
— Abbey, 4/29/2011" I read this book over and over as a child. It's a great blend of history, drama, and mild romance. Most importantly, the theme of doing what is right regardless of the cost stays with you long after you have put the book down. "
— Jennifer, 4/28/2011" I enjoyed reading this book. It is a quick read and I wish there was more to it. "
— Natali, 4/25/2011" an excellent story that makes me laugh and cry and make me mad. the characters are easy to relate to and are well rounded. I loved this book as a little girl and I love it still. "
— Bookchick84, 4/23/2011" This book was totally amazing! I loved it! "
— Rachel, 4/23/2011" Very good so far... Hanna Tupper is a very timid character. "
— Noah, 4/22/2011" I read this book to my son and it took a long time to get through the middle part, but the ending was quick and great. It was overly descriptive in some parts, but I think that is just the writing from the time period. "
— Brooke, 4/22/2011Elizabeth George Speare (1908–1994), born and raised in Melrose, Massachusetts, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Boston University, taught high school, married, and raised two children before beginning her career as a writer. Her prizewinning writings for children and young adults are noted for their authentic settings, intriguing plots, and accurate historical details.
Mary Beth Hurt is an award-winning Broadway actor as well as an acclaimed performer in film and television. Her theater work includes A Delicate Balance, The Secret Rapture, Benefactors, Crimes of the Heart, The Misanthrope, and Trelawney of the Wells. Her film credits include Affliction, Autumn in New York, Family Man, Six Degrees of Separation, The Age of Innocence, The World According to Garp, and Interiors.