The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare [Review]

4 out of 5 Robots!

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
Genre: YA Historical Fantasy
Release: December 1, 1958
Hardcover: 249 Pages
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
My Copy: Purchased
Reviewer: Shannon

Book Summary:

Sixteen-year-old Kit Tyler is marked by suspicion and disapproval from the moment she arrives on the unfamiliar shores of colonial Connecticut in 1687. Alone and desperate, she has been forced 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 struggles to survive in a hostile place. Just when it seems she must give up, she finds a kindred spirit. But Kit’s friendship with Hannah Tupper, believed by the colonists to be a witch, proves more taboo than she could have imagined and ultimately forces Kit to choose between her heart and her duty.

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.

(Courtesy of the Publisher)

Shannon's Thoughts:

I have to admit, I am surprised I never read this book as a kid.  I was aware of it, but never got around to it.  But, as you know, I'm on a quest to read all the Newbery Award books, so I finally picked this one up.  And I quite enjoyed it!  

Kathryn "Kit" Tyler was raised by her grandfather on Barbados who let her run free and independent.  But Kit's grandfather died and having no other option, Kit gains entry onto a ship bound for Connecticut, which is where her aunt lives.  Kit finds her aunt's family to be a stern Puritan one and she chaffs under their rules.  But she also tries to make a place for herself in Connecticut.  I admire Kit's tenacity.  She eventually befriend Hannah, an old Quaker woman who is treated with suspicion by the other townspeople.  

This book had held up very well to the test of time.  I found the story very charming and timeless.  Kit is fearless, loyal, stubborn and a little reckless.  But she is also charming and brings a light to those around her.  She would be in good company with Anne of Green Gables, I think.   I also loved the other characters, who I found very believable.  I especially loved Hannah, who has a wisdom and gaiety about her I found irresistible.

Overall, I enjoyed this story much more than I expected!