Witches: The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem

“The doctor tried every remedy, but nothing cured the young Puritans. He grimly announced the dire diagnosis: the girls were bewitched! And then the accusations began.” The is the riveting, true story of the victims, accused witches, crooked officials, and mass hysteria that turned a mysterious illness
affecting two children into a witch hunt that took over a dozen people’s lives and ruined hundreds more

4Q, 2P. I have read many accounts of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, and while it’s not the most detailed account, it is one of the most reader-friendly versions I’ve come across. I listened to the audiobook version of this book, and found myself waiting in my car long after I reached my destinations just to finish a chapter. The tone of the story seems to speak to a younger age group, but the content is better suited for a teenage audience. Because of this, I can see older teen readers feeling like the book is too juvenile, or even patronizing. Even so, Rosalyn Schanzer does an excellent job of bringing the people of Salem back to life, and the length of the book makes it accessible to most readers. ( )

3Q, 2P – This is a simple recounting of the well-known events in Salem, Massachusetts at the end of the seventeenth century. It’s quick and to the point. The historical content draws from documents, quoting trial material at length. It paints a realistic portrait of the events surrounding the Salem Witch Trials. Schanzer speaks to the society in which the Puritans lived, discussing their religious beliefs, governmental practices, relations with natives, and the assumptions made throughout the trials. It discusses in short fashion some of the possible reasons for the illnesses that caused many to believe that witchcraft was at play, making no concrete conclusions. The writing is simple and straightforward and does a good job bringing a far-removed historical period to life. At the same time, the simplicity makes the story difficult to believe, or somewhat fantastic. The artwork throughout gives the feel of a graphic novel, although this is surely not one. As an attempt to bring a piece of history to a contemporary audience, this is mostly a success, but it does not seem that most teens would willingly pick it up, without its being assigned or suggested by a parent.

Lots of information. Who were the accusers, and what happend with them. Same with who were the victims and what happened to their families.

Nice drawings. I did feel this book was meant for children. Such a sad story. ( )

A great title for readers not yet ready to tackle Marc Aronson's more scholarly Witch-Hunt: Mysteries of the Salem Witch Trials. ( )