Witch Hunt: It Happened in Salem Village

by Stephen Krensky

Illus. in full color. "Krensky ably retells the story of 1692 Salem witch trials, making clear the unfairness of the trials that led to the executions of 19 supposed witches. Color drawings add atmosphere. A good choice for a simple introduction to the ever-popular story of witchcraft in 17th century Salem."-- School Library Journal.  

Genres: History

48 pages, Paperback

First published May 6, 1989

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this in a donation bin at work and had completely forgotten that I actually owned this book as a child. I was really into the supernatural/witch/darker stories at the time (and still am). I was transported back to my elementary years and enjoyed reading this book. Yes, it's words, and the illustrations aren't very captivating, but I loved them. I thought that I was reading something more mature than the usual step into reading books I had grown accustomed to. And it's based on actual events in American history that I loved. My rating - 4/5

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Older children, grades 2-4, will read about the history behind the Salem Witch trials that took place in Salem, Massachusetts in the late 1600s. In the supposed bewitched town, young girls begin acting strangely, screaming in the middle of the night, hiding under chairs, fainting mysteriously. The young girls claim to be under a witch’s spells. Soon many in the town are accused of witchcraft and are sent to trial, some are found guilty and pay with their lives, while others sit in jail for years and years. Finally, the witch hunt ends when one of the girls confesses their evil trick.

Due to the graphic nature of this book, I feel like it wouldn't be appropriate for second graders to read, however older children will had a better grasp about the story's content.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, to be transported back to elementary school and our graphically detailed witch trial unit. Those images have never faded from my memory. A New England education...

[Stephanie Sheaffer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two or three stars? Undecided. This is an interesting historical topic, but I didn't feel that the author wrote with energy/conviction nor were the illustrations particularly compelling. The book would have been more captivating as a fictional first-person narrative by one of the characters.