We have been studying the American colonies in history around the Hill Hang-Out, so I chose for our read-aloud book The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare. I was a little hesitant at first because I wasn’t sure how far into witchcraft it would delve, nor could I be sure it didn’t involve someone being burned at the stake. I just wasn’t sure I was ready to tackle those subjects in depth with a nine-year-old is sensitive to such things. However, this beautiful story is far more about relationships and reserving our judgements than it was about witchcraft or murder.
It is the story of young Kit Tyler, a native of Barbados who, because of unfortunate circumstances, must leave her home and go to live with her family, whom she has never met, in colonial Connecticut. They are, needless to say, accustomed to a much different life than what Kit has ever know. There are many struggles and clashes as this spirited young girl learns to live within the strict Puritan ways of her Connecticut family.
She seeks escape and solitude in the meadow, where she is befriended by Hannah Tupper, a woman exiled to her home because she is believed to be a witch. This friendship, while providing solace for Kit, will eventually get her arrested and brought before the magistrate on charges that she, too, is involved in sorcery.
Although the story might sound harsh from the description, it is actually a very quaint, feel-good story that young girls will love (and so will their mamas.) It tied in perfectly with our history lesson, and it quickly became one of our favorites. When we finished it this morning, MA said, “I wish it would just keep going.” High praise, indeed!
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