The Witch of Blackbird Pond

by Margaret I on 2011-10-25
I wasn't sure about this book but we read it and we loved it. My 9 year old girl and 11 year old boy both enjoyed it. I almost had a mutiny on my hands when I tried to put it down toward the end of the book. "Mom, no you can't stop reading now! We have to see what happens!" Great book!

by Rachel R on 2011-05-14
I personally love this book and read it as an older child but my 9yr old son didn't particularly care for it! We struggled to get through it! I think it should be included in a later curriculum!

by CHARLENE D on 2010-10-21
I'm not sure why this book was included in the core 3+4 program. It seemed a little more advanced than that. My son (my child who was doing that level) does have Asperger's Syndrome and is very literal so I'm sure that played a part, but this was the only book that we had to put back on the shelf because I had to keep interrupting myself to explain something of the book to him. It seemed like a good read to me, but I never had time to finish it. Maybe when my girls get to that level, we'll be able to enjoy it.

by RAINA J on 2010-05-21
At first I wasn't sure my 8 year old son would appreciate this book since (as I'd remembered from when I read it as a girl) it dealt with many issues that would mostly appeal to girls. I was wrong; he was enthralled! The story drew us both in and made us care about the characters. It also gave a detailed picture of the Puritans and why they did the things they did. What a great book - and yes, for a boy!

by LAURIE W on 2010-05-19
Book Review Title: Witch of Blackbird Pond Author: Elizabeth George Speare Published by: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books Publish date(s): 1958, 1986, and 1993 By Isabella Hadley 5-17-10 Summary: Kit Tyler, a young lady from a Caribbean island is orphaned and decides to show up at her aunt and uncle’s house in Connecticut Colony without an escort and without writing them a letter. (What was she thinking?!?) She gets a home there and meets someone special but there’s a little problem. She makes friends with an old widow, Hannah who’s been accused of witchcraft. The Puritan people who live there find out. Kit herself, is accused of witchcraft. Can she convince the people that she and Hannah have never done any witchcraft ever?!?!?!?!?!?!? It takes place in 1687 and 1688 before the revolutionary war. There is something of a rebellion that happens. That’s when the governor wants to take away the colonist’s charter (the laws that they had written in legal documents,) and make new ones without their permission! You should definitely read this book because it is captivating from the very first sentence. It deals with justice, injustice, religious prejudice, how witchcraft is wrong and a little taste of romance. When we started reading The Witch of Blackbird Pond, it was like we were rushing to get our chores and other schoolwork done so we could read it again! This is the best book that we’ve read this year! HAPPY READING!! !! !!

by STACY F on 2010-02-25
Isabelle Fox, 14 yrs old The death of her beloved Grandfather leaves sixteen year old Kit Tyler with no choice but to leave her Caribbean islands and voyage to a Connecticut Colony where an aunt and uncle take her in. Hard work and the harsh Puritan community challenge Kit every day, and the only place the young girl feels at home is along the banks of Blackbird Pond, where a Quaker woman named Hannah Tuper, who is suspected as a witch, befriends her. If their friendship is discovered, will Hannah be safe, or will the town put Kit to death if they accuse her of witchcraft? The Witch of Blackbird Pond is a book that keeps me on my toes every time I read it because of the ever-present suspense! Every page is full of historical “tidbits” of the late sixteen hundreds, and the spunky Kit Tyler’s knack for getting into trouble keeps me laughing throughout the entire story. This book remains one of my favorites written by Elizabeth George Spear, and I know that it will be for years to come!

by GINA N on 2009-07-30
I have to say my 9yo son did not love this book I think primarily because many of the issues it addresses are feminine. I loved it, though!

by KERRY H on 2009-06-19
Excellent book that leaves you hanging at every chapter's end. We started it as a read-aloud and my daughter got impatient with me not having time to read to her so she decided to read ahead and couldn't put it down. She kept saying, "I feel so bad because you don't know what's happening, but I just have to read it!" Loved watching her enjoy it. It was terrific.

by BRITT Q on 2009-05-11
This was my favorite book so far. I really enjoyed listening to my mom read it to me because every time the chapter ended, I couldn't wait 'till we read again. The characters in the book also seemed so real. When they spoke, it seemed as if you were there too! The story came alive. From the sweet old lady, Hannah, to the wild, strong-willed Kit, the story gets better and better. It's a wonderful book! It's a story of adventures, kindness, love and friendship. Why not have fun and learn at the same time?! (review by Cali, 11 yrs.)

by ELEANOR R on 2008-11-21
Great book! We loved it both times through Core 3!