Sunday, April 4, 2010

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare


Genre: Historical fiction, YA, Newbery
Published: 1958, 256 pgs.
Source: Personal library
For: Shelf Discovery Challenge 3/6
Review: 4.5/5 stars
This is another of those classic YA books that I should have read growing up but didn'teven know about. I wish that someone (my mom, a teacher, a friend) had steered me toward some of these wonderful books that I've now found as an adult. I did read some good books as a teenager but I also read a lot of garbage. At least now I can hopefully help my daughters read good books as they grow up. This is a book with a strong female protagonist who does what she knows is right and follows her heart. A great book for young girls (11 and up) that also teaches about early American history. I loved the characters, the story, and message of this book.
Rating: 1.1.1 I can't remember anything objectionable.

15 comments:

Kath said...

This is one I missed reading when I was younger as well. Coincidentally I just picked this up from the library the other day, I look forward to reading it. Great review!

Stephanie said...

I read this two or three years ago and LOVED it! Why aren't the schools pushing this one? I've been thinking of this often lately as my son has been learning about the beginning of the colonies, the Puritans and the Salem Witch Trials- this is a book that really makes that time come alive. I too wish I'd read this when I was younger, but somehow I got the impression back then that this book was stuffy and boring. It's anything BUT! Glad you enjoyed this. :)

Anonymous said...

I read this book doing Sonlight curriculum and loved it!

Angiegirl said...

This is one of my clearest and earliest memories of reading with my mom. We both simply loved this book. Kit Tyler was my kind of heroine. And I've been in love with Nat ever since. :)

Shelley said...

I love this one! Maybe I should read it to my girls.

Julie P. said...

It's funny that I remember reading this as a kid, but I don't remember anything about it. I'm going to have to re-read!

Natasha @ Maw Books said...

I don't remember reading books like this when I was younger either. Although to tell you the truth, I wonder if I would have liked it. I liked it as an adult.

caribookscoops said...

I read this in 8th grade and really, really liked it. I think I will have to re-read it. I liked the emphasis on literacy and history.

Laura H said...

I liked this one too. I checked out another one she wrote and it wasnt as good (cant remember the name). Great review.

Anonymous said...

I adored this book growing up, but I don't remember a whole lot about it now. I should reread it. Thanks for reminding me of it!

LD said...

I LOVED this book growing up and I totally forgot about it--thanks for reminding me to read it again!

Laura at Library of Clean Reads said...

I was going to check this one out of the library today for the Shelf Discovery Challenge not knowing if it was a good read. Thanks for this timely review!

cathylim said...

Kim, this post doesn't have anything to do with your review (though it is a good one, and a great book), but I am getting an error trying to email! I run RatedReads.com, a site devoted exclusively to giving ratings to books. I'd love to trade links. The more options for readers, the better, I say. Go to RatedReads and submit a comment to me to respond -- I'd really appreciate it! -- Cathy Lim

Julie (ASmAcc) said...

Love this book!

I have an award for you. :)

http://smallaccomplishment.blogspot.com/2010/04/smile-youre-on-awards-show.html

Celtic Traveler said...

I love this book

BUT

there was one D-word (concering the mobbers)