The Witch of Blackbird Pond

by Elizabeth George Speare

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Set in 1687 in the small Connecticut colony of Wethersfield, this masterpiece of historical fiction elegantly conveys the social conventions of Puritan life in the American colonies. Katherine "Kit" Tyler, a 16-year-old orphan who was raised by her wealthy grandfather in Barbados, books passage on a ship bound for America after his death. There, she is taken in by her only living relatives--Puritan Aunt Rachel and her family. Used to a very open household, the independent Kit tries to adapt to the Puritan lifestyle, but she finds herself unable to completely accept, or even understand, the conventions of her new surroundings. Kit finds some comfort when she befriends Hannah Tupper, an elderly widow who lives alone on the outskirts of town. Hannah, however, is believed by many to be a witch--and Kit's friendship with her ultimately puts both of them in grave danger. Throughout the course of her captivating story, author Elizabeth George Speare seamlessly weaves in details about life in colonial America, touching on and explaining such subjects as religion, the roles of women, courtship rituals, and even candle making. Winner of the 1959 Newbery Medal.

Editions of The Witch of Blackbird Pond

ISBN 9781561375349	Binding/Format Paperback	Publisher Novel Units	Date 1999	Price $9.69	Good
ISBN 9780440495963	Binding/Format Paperback	Publisher Yearling Books	Date 1987	Price $1.00	Used - Acceptable
ISBN 9780613723015	Binding/Format Prebinding	Publisher Bt Bound	Date 1978	Price None Available
ISBN 9780440227212	Binding/Format Paperback	Publisher Random House Childrens Books	Date 1997	Price $1.00	Used, Good
ISBN 9780758702272	Binding/Format Paperback	Publisher Bantam Dell Pub Group	Date 1993	Price None Available
ISBN 9780807207482	Binding/Format Audio Cassette	Publisher Listening Library	Date 2002	Price $24.48	New
ISBN 9780807207499	Binding/Format Audio Cassette	Publisher Listening Library	Date 2002	Price $1.00	Very Good
ISBN 9780394771410	Binding/Format Audio Cassette	Publisher Sra	Date 1979	Price None Available
ISBN 9781557361387	Binding/Format Hardcover	Publisher Cornerstone Books	Date 1989	Price $2.93	Very Good
ISBN 9780943069166	Binding/Format Paperback	Publisher Christopher-Gordon Pub	Date 1990	Price None Available
ISBN 9780440995777	Binding/Format Paperback	Publisher Laurel Leaf	Date 1993	Price $1.00	Good
ISBN 9780808554585	Binding/Format Prebinding	Publisher Bt Bound	Date 1999	Price $2.90	Good
ISBN 9780395071144	Binding/Format Hardcover	Publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt	Date 1958	Price $2.68	Good
ISBN 9780739359693	Binding/Format Compact Disc	Publisher Listening Library	Date 2007	Price $17.57	NEW

Publisher Notes

In 1687 in Connecticut, Kit Tyler, feeling out of place in the Puritan household of her aunt, befriends an old woman considered a witch by the community and suddenly finds herself standing trial for witchcraft. A Newbery Honor Book. Read by Mary Beth Hurt. Book available.

Media Reviews

"Strong plot, fully realized characters, and convincing atmosphere distinguish this historical narrative of a girl whose rebellion against bigotry and her Puritan surroundings culminates in a witch hunt and trial."

Synopses

First Line

On a morning in mid-April, 1687, the brigantine "Dolphin" left the open sea, sailed briskly across the Sound to the wide mouth of the Connecticut River and into Saybrook harbor. Kit Tyler had been on the forecastle deck since daybreak, standing close to the rail, staring hungrily at the first sight of land for five weeks.