The Witch of Blackbird Pond (text only) Reissue edition by E. G. Speare

by E. G. Speare

Genres: Classics

Paperback

Published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Alicia (aliciasbooksanctuary) · Rating 4 out of 5]

OVERALL STAR RATING: 4/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5

I have a crazy confession to make! I had never even HEARD of this book until my friend told me it’s one she reads every October. I know, I know…I suppose I’ve lived my life under a rock. Now, after reading and loving it, I have to say that this one should absolutely be required reading for all school aged children. How was I not at all introduced to this middle grade Newbery Medal winning classic during my school years? There are beautiful historical elements and life lessons to be learned between these pages.

16-year-old Kit Tyler has left Barbados and traveled to the shores of colonial Connecticut in 1687 where she starts a new life with her aunt, uncle and cousins. She’s struggling to fit in and realizes America isn’t quite all she had predicted it would be. She befriends a sweet old woman by the name of Hannah Tupper. Problem being, Hannah is outcast by the community and is accused of being a witch. Kit’s association with Hannah could easily cause accusations of witchcraft to be thrown her way as well. Kit knows in her heart that Hannah is a harmless, lonely woman who has a lot of love and compassion to share. She can’t seem to resist venturing off to visit her little cottage off the shores of Blackbird pond.

Ultimately, Kit gets found out and a lot of drama unfolds. This story is a great reminder to stay true to who you are and to suppress our judgement on others without knowing all the facts. Amazon has this book listed as grades 5-7 for recommended reading. I’d have to agree that’s the perfect age to appreciate the beauty of all that lies within this story.

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[Elise Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute!! Kit had so much character development it was crazy. Although I kinda knew who she was going to end up with I love it so much! I was very invested. The ending was rushed but I sorta suspected that so it didn’t bother me as much as Pride and Prejudice. I loved how her uncle stood up for her at the end when they were accusing her of being a witch. Even though I hated him at first, at the end he changed my mind( just like Mr. Darcy) so I guess this book has a few ties to pride and prejudice which I also loved.

[Peytan Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good! I read this for school and it was probably my favorite school book. It was great, whitty, heartfelt and relatable. I liked it!

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful book.

[Bug246810 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book, but it was a little confusing.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4.5⭐️I know I read this when I was a kid. Saw it advertised on Instagram for some reason and chose to reread it. Definitely worth it. Funnily enough it reminds me of the lighter romances of today.

[Brittany B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the few books that made a lasting impact on me growing up and I was a voracious reader. Absolutely loved it!

[Lilliana Vidinha · Rating 3 out of 5]

So fun to read

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my most favorite classic books! This captivating story is about a remarkable 16 great old girl named Kit Tyler. She is identified by suspicion and disapproval from the very moment she arrives on the unfamiliar shores of colonial Connecticut in 1687.
Alone and desperate, she has been torn to leave her beloved home on the island of Barbados and join a family she has never met. Torn between her quest for belonging and her desire to be true to herself, Kit is conflicted with trying to survive or even belong in such a hostile place. Just when it seems she will have to give up, she discovers a kindred spirit. But Kit's friendship with Hannah Tupper, believed by the colonists to be a witch, proves more forbidden than she could have imagined... This will ultimately push Kit to choose between her heart and her duty.

Author Elizabeth George Speare won the 1959
Newbery Medal for this portrayal of a heroine whom readers will admire for her unwavering sense of truth as well as her infinite capacity to love."

I can't think of a better honor or award to recognize the works of a talented writer of this sensational tale. This story is well-worth your read, anytime!!

[Stasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is in almost every homeschool book list for middle school. I found it very interesting and not wanting to put it down as I read with my son. I'm not sure if this is the version that we read b/c our novel is old and the 1 of many covers don't match.

Almost all of the content was over my son's head. There is absolutely no way he could have read and understood this book solo. (5th grade) There were some parts that confused me, too. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

This was my first side-by-side reading with my son of a full length novel- so I can't comment on overall pacing and storyline of the book for it took us weeks and weeks to finish.
Content kept me very interested though !!

[Marisa K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for an ELA class and was very pleasantly surprised. It was nice story about the revolutionary war and the witch trials. With great characters and an intriguing plot, I really enjoyed reading this book. Though the old english made it hard to understand the story at times and I had to Google a few word.

[Leah Crihfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book that I ever read that had romance in it, and immediately I fell in love with reading this book. As soon as I finished this book for the first time I reread it again. It is such a classically beautiful and wholesome book. I love this book, it was my “first love” of reading.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book of all.

[Cynthia Bierbrauer]

I loved this book! Highly recommend if you are looking for something different than killing and sex. It really makes you grateful for living in modern times. Two thumbs up!

[Becky Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book!! All the good feels wrapped up in a bow for the fall season. Yes, please!