Witch Hunt: It Happened in Salem Village (Step into Reading) - Softcover

Grade 2-4-- Krensky ably retells the story of the 1692 Salem witch trials, offering a logical explanation for the fits which beset the young girls at the center of the hysteria and making clear the unfairness of the trials that led to the executions of 19 supposed witches. The short sentences imposed by the easy-to-read format make for a text that's a bit choppy in places, but not annoyingly so. The color drawings feature rather lumpish figures, but serve to break up the text and add a little atmosphere. Less successful than Marion Starkey's The Tall Man from Boston (Crown, 1975; o.p.), with its powerful drawings by Charles Mikolaycak, Krensky's book is still a good choice for a simple introduction to the ever-popular story of witchcraft in 17th-century Salem. --Elaine Fort Weischedel, Turner Free Library, Randolph, MA
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

For perceptive as well as proficient readers, this book recounts the bizarre story of the hysteria in late 17th-century Salem that resulted in witch trials and executions. The Puritan lifestyle and religious ethos are clearly and simply described, providing a background and showing why "fear and hate ruled over common sense." Within that context, the behavior of young female accusers, magistrates and villagers becomes more comprehensible. The illustrations are only adequate, and contribute little to the compelling information. But this glimpse of American history should leave readers eager for more. Ages 7-9.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.