An informative read, done creatively. ( )

Summary: This book gives a description of the events surrounding the Salem witch trials and the history of witch hunts in parts of Europe around that time as well. The book puts the reader in the shoes of a young girl named Priscilla Bishop and details her life during the time her parents were accused of witchcraft. It gives explanations for why people accused others of witchcraft and why so many people were willing to believe it.

Personal Reaction: I enjoyed this book. The illustrations are nice, they're done in almost a comical style which helps ease the tension of an otherwise very serious topic. I think the book does a good job of demystifying the Salem witch trials.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. Learn about herbal healing and other medical treatments that were developed during that time that so many midwives were accused of witchcraft for practicing medicine.
2. Hold a mock trial in which students learn to evaluate evidence in order to determine whether someone is innocent or guilty.
3. Journal entry about fear of the unknown ( )

Even kids probably don't need to be told that they wouldn't want to be a Salem witch, but this book from the "You Wouldn't Want to Be a..." series is a engaging, informative, and darkly funny. Illustrations are cartoonish and highly expressive, and the speech and though bubbles add poignant commentary to this grim topic. Also included are plenty of tips on how to avoid being accused or convicted and some very bizarre trivia.
Written in second person, readers are given the identity of Priscilla Bishop, daughter of an inn keeper accused of being a witch in 1692. Each spread addresses one topic about the Salem Witch Hunt, such as Puritans, Confessions, Prison, and Trials. In spite of the brevity of each topic, a table of contents and index are included, as well as a glossary; unfamiliar words are also defined in the text.
The Salem Witch Hunt is a perennially popular topic and this volume will satisfy (and likely pique) the curiosity of elementary readers. Its layout, using short, separated paragraphs, text boxes, illustrations, and speech bubbles, make this book more suited to recreational reading than for school reports. It is recommended for elementary school classrooms in which it is relevant to the curriculum to provide more content for curious students, as well as for elementary school libraries and public libraries. ( )

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