A good witch is truly a rare find.

I should be well aware of this fact; after all, I've spent my entire life in search of one.

So, when I delved into this read, I couldn't help but think... perhaps this is her... the witch of Blackbird Pond. Maybe she would finally turn out to be the "tatter-haired witch" as Karla Kuskin describes, or the "magical prognosticator, chanting, canting, calculator" that Felice Holman makes me eager to meet.

I wasn't in the market for a Bellatrix LeStrange. I simply desired the witch I had been patiently waiting for.

Alas, I didn't discover her within these pages.

No, indeed. There were no genuine witches here. Just a whole bunch of those Arthur Miller type "witches" from The Crucible. What that means is there was no delightful cleavage or cackle, no orgies by the river... no incantation, no levitation, no black tresses or long black gowns.

Just a sorrowful, somewhat demented Quaker woman who had been shunned by the town due to her religious beliefs.

Oh, and a town complete with "a pillory, a whipping post and stocks." All the proper trappings for inducing public humiliation in the village square in 17th-century Connecticut.

Goodness, I loathe Puritans.

I despise them, and so does Kit, our protagonist, who is compelled to abandon wealth and the paradise that is Barbados for the bleak, never-ending world of Puritans and snow.

I think this is what is known as "hell," or at least purgatory.

Poor Kit.

And poor me. But once I released my fixation on the perfect witch, I permitted this 1958 Newberry winner and Kit Tyler to seize my attention, and I uncovered an "old school" captivating story and a charming protagonist.

This is excellent, unadulterated story-telling, and it's also a surprisingly romantic coming-of-age tale.

And, by God, as I wrapped up the story today, my 9-year-old daughter arrived home carrying a huge, black cauldron from a thrift store.

I retreat to my lair with magical thoughts dancing in my mind.

I'll write more about this later.

Hopefully, it will be in a mini series of blog posts dedicated to the books that have truly shaped me as a writer.

These books have had a profound impact on my writing journey, influencing my style, my ideas, and my perspective.

Each one has taught me something valuable, whether it's about character development, plot construction, or the power of language.

I can't wait to share these insights with you and explore the ways in which these books have made me the writer I am today.

Stay tuned for more in this exciting series!

I loved this book far more than I had ever expected!

Not only does The Witch of Blackbird Pond possess great historical content, but the story itself is an absolute delight to read!

The main character, Kit, arrives in a new place only to find that no one sympathizes with her or her strange, or rather different, ways.

I believe an important message that the author, Elizabeth George Speare, conveys is: “There is no escape if love is not there.”

This quote is relevant to numerous aspects of life, and I'll leave it to the reader to figure out what those might be.

Another quote that I find very true is, “people are afraid of things they don’t understand.”

I think this book would be a great choice for any reader, especially those who have an interest in the 1600s time period!

I had a hunch from the very first chapter that she would marry Nat, and I was right all the way to the end! I can't believe I guessed it correctly!

What a page turner!

I'm so glad I finally read this and with Jessica. There were so many things to make one yelp and need to comment on immediately.

Elizabeth George Speare does an outstanding job of skillfully weaving numerous threads of narrative and conflict together. She never loses sight of the main focus of the story, which is Kit's character growth as she endeavors to adapt to a new environment in 1687 Connecticut. This new place is completely different from her carefree, sun-soaked childhood in Barbados.

I love that there is character growth in several key characters who initially seem completely set in their ways. Especially Uncle Matthew, Adam Cruff, and even John Holbrook (who initially reminded me so much of St. John Rivers!). I wish we had more of Mercy. She is such a sweet character. Hannah and Prudence are also precious gems.

I wasn't anticipating any romantic tensions, so I really enjoyed Judith's, Mercy's, and especially Kit's romances. It's fascinating how their final choices reflect their own better understanding of themselves. Nat is quite the swashbuckling character!

Overall, this is a wonderful and engaging story that kept me hooked from start to finish.

When I was thirteen years old, my mom forced me to read this book. At that time, I might have been a bit reluctant, but little did I know that it would turn out to be one of my favorite books ever since.

As I delved into the pages, I was gradually drawn into a captivating world. The story had such a profound impact on me that it left an indelible mark in my heart.

Looking back now, I am truly grateful to my mom for that gentle push. Her insistence led me to discover this literary gem. Thanks, Mom, for introducing me to a book that has brought so much joy and inspiration into my life.

It just goes to show that sometimes, the things our parents make us do can have a lasting and positive influence. This book will always hold a special place in my collection and in my memories.

This is my 9th Newbery Medal book, and perhaps it is the best one I have read so far. The writing is excellent, and the characters are well-developed. In particular, Kit Tyler, the young lady who is the heroine of the novel, is a captivating character.

There is also a bit of a history lesson in this book. The setting is 1687 in Wethersfield of the Connecticut Colony, where the strict Puritans are imposing their version of religion and law.

You can get an idea of the plot from the book description, but it unfolds beautifully on the pages. With such a strong, young female character, it is a pleasure to read.

This book was the winner of the 1979 Newbery Medal, which is a testament to its quality and literary merit. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction or coming-of-age stories.

This is one of my favorite books within the middle grade range.

Heidi, little princess, Secret Garden, and Little Women are some of the outstanding books that this grade level has to offer.

We are introduced to Kit, who is on a boat bound for the colonies along with a group of Puritans. Her parents have passed away, and she is moving to live with her strict uncle. Since she isn't a Puritan, the life she enters is arduous, and people don't trust her.

The brilliance of the book lies in the old woman who resides next to Blackbird Pond. This is a marshy area that can flood, so she lives alone. However, the woman adores the area due to its beauty. The rest of the town views her as a witch. Naturally, Kit finds refuge with this woman.

I can tell you that upon reading this for the first time, I simply loathed these Puritan people. They just seemed so cruel and harsh without any legitimate reason. This story is beautiful and truly touches me.

I should re-read this story this year. It's a remarkable story and remains a great read for modern readers.

**2023 Review**

2023 Review
Every October, I have a tradition of reading the October passage from this remarkable book. And this year, my heart was filled with an intense longing for the entire story once again. Goodness gracious, I simply adore this one. It is a work that combines simplicity and depth in the most wonderful way, offering rich and substantial nourishment that is fit for a grand feast.

On this reading, the political era really stood out to me. Speare does an outstanding job of presenting the complexities of the colonies without allowing it to overshadow the main narrative. In fact, she cleverly utilizes political history to bring her characters to life and make them more fully developed.

This book and Up a Road Slowly are毫无疑问 tied for my favorite Newbery recipients. Although I must admit that they are young adult novels rather than strictly children's books.

**2020 Review**

2020 Review
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

When I was growing up, I shied away from this book for many years. As a highly sensitive child, the title had a certain ominous quality that really put me off. There was something about "Blackbird Pond" that seemed foreboding. And the (gorgeous!) cover, with its mysterious and somewhat creepy appearance, didn't do much to change my initial impression. However, when I finally took the plunge and read it, I fell head over heels in love. In fact, I'm pretty sure my first-ever OTP was John and Mercy. Bless them!

For quite some time now, I've been eager to re-read this book, but I patiently waited until the best month of the year:

"Every morning she woke with a new confidence and buoyancy she could not explain. In October any wonderful unexpected thing might be possible." (147)

The Witch of Blackbird Pond is young adult fiction of the highest caliber. Anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or out of place can easily relate to Kit, who has just arrived in the withering town of Wethersfield, Connecticut, fresh from the beautiful island of Barbados. Nothing she says or does seems to be right. Her deepest-held beliefs are challenged even before she steps off the boat. While she learns to adapt and change in some respects, she remains true to herself in others.

Speare manages to craft a captivating historical novel, which is no small accomplishment. Through Kit's struggles, we gain a vivid understanding of daily life in colonial Connecticut, as well as the social order and the impending governmental changes. Even religion becomes an important part of her life, despite the fact that she grew up only attending church for major holidays. Throw in some chaste romance, a touch of benevolence that turns into intrigue, and a strapping young sailor, and you have one of my all-time favorite young adult novels.

The Puritans are often caricatured as being dour, joyless, and even cruel. However, Speare shows rather than tells what Puritan colonial life was really like. Yes, they had regimented communities and senseless gatekeeping (Hannah has to pay a fine for not attending Meeting, even though she is not welcome there in the first place). But they were also human beings, with the ability to laugh, cry, and feel just like everyone else. Speare demonstrates that the harshness of colonial life, with its many deprivations and the need to submit to the whims of the weather and the threat of plague, contributed as much as anything else to the seeming dourness of Puritan culture. Frankly, it's not all that different from the later Little House books, where Laura refuses to show emotion in public as an adult because it is considered improper. Kit's perspicacity, especially when it comes to understanding human nature, helps to round out some of the stiffer characters.

As a scholar of the antislavery movement, I was particularly attuned to any discussions of slavery in the novel. While it is not a major focus, Speare does not shy away from mentioning it or criticizing it. This is one of Kit's first beliefs to be challenged, as she mentions her former position as a slaveholder. Yet, by the end of the novel, the people with whom she aligns herself are antislavery, even though this is not explicitly stated. This is a masterful way of writing about slavery in a respectful and meaningful way, without making the entire novel about it. The way Speare handles this topic can spark some very interesting conversations about slavery with young readers.

This is excellent reading for those who are interested in YA historical fiction, and even for adults who have an interest in the period of colonial America before the Salem Witch Trials.

To be honest, I firmly believe that one of the reasons this particular work endures is that it indeed has elements that are in common with the typical young adult (YA) fare of today, especially that which is targeted at girls.

It features fashion, which is always a draw for the younger generation. There's a misfit girl who manages to shake up the entire town, adding an element of excitement and unpredictability. Angst is present, as is the theme of star-crossed lovers, which always tugs at the heartstrings. Moreover, there's an outsider who serves as a mentor, providing guidance and wisdom.

However, it goes without saying that this work has so much more to offer. It is filled with plenty of adventure and a rich historical backdrop, and even has some humorous moments to lighten the mood. It's reassuring to know that we can pretty much trust the accuracy of the history presented, even after six decades. The characters are vividly drawn and fully three-dimensional, not a single one being a mere cardboard icon. This includes even Prudence's parents, who are given depth and complexity. The themes are not hidden away, but at the same time, they are not overly heavy-handed, making the work accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of readers.

I truly enjoyed this piece and would unhesitatingly recommend it to all young people and those groups who are open-minded enough to read juvenile/YA literature. It has the power to engage, entertain, and inspire.

By now, you are likely well-acquainted and perhaps even tired of hearing about my project. However, just in case you've somehow missed out on what I've been up to, let me fill you in. While cleaning out my garage, I unearthed some old VHS tapes, my high school Nintendo Powers, and a whole stack of my old books from high school and college. Naturally, some of them had to go, and I decided the best way to determine which ones was to give them a reread and see how they fared against the test of time.

I've read THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND numerous times throughout my life, and my perception of the heroine, Kit, has changed as I've grown. I recall thinking she was extremely annoying when I was younger, but as an adult woman, I find her captivating and courageous. I believe the author did an outstanding job of making Kit seem like an ordinary teenage girl, yet burdened with the problems that a girl of her age might face during that era.
Kit grew up in Barbados, but after the deaths of her parents and then her grandfather, she has no choice but to seek refuge with her Puritan aunt and uncle, and her cousins Mercy and Judith. They take her in reluctantly, and immediately Kit stands out like a sore thumb. She can swim and read, her clothes are too fancy, and she is unable to perform any chores. At best, people look at her askance. At worst, they grumble that she might be some sort of witch.
Things take a turn for the worse when Kit befriends Hannah, a Quaker woman whom everyone believes is a witch. As their friendship blossoms and they welcome a young girl named Prudence into their circle, the tensions and suspicions against Kit and Hannah escalate until, like a lit fuse, something is bound to explode.
I adored all of the characters in this book. Each one was so complex, and there were numerous nuances that I overlooked as a child. For instance, the fact that Nat has a major crush on Kit, or that Mercy is somewhat of a Christ-like figure in this book (similar to that girl from Little Women who died, only fortunately, she doesn't meet the same fate). I actually had a great deal of respect for her uncle Matthew. When I was a child, I thought he was a mean old man, but in reality, he is doing his best, and his frustrations and love for his family are portrayed in a very subtle manner.
Not all of the books from my childhood have withstood the test of time, but this one most definitely has. It's a far superior story than The Crucible.
4 stars.

  



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When I had younger children, reading to them was an almost nightly ritual before bedtime. Newbery Award winners were generally quite dependable in terms of being enjoyable for both me and the child I was reading to. Sadly, my youngest child is now nearly 24, and it has been several years since I have delved into children's books like this one. I had forgotten just how much fun they could be. I truly miss those times.

"The Witch of Blackbird Pond" won the Newbery Award in 1959, the very year I was born - although there is no particular significance in that. It relates a timeless tale of a young individual who defies the bigotry and closed-mindedness of the surrounding community. In this instance, the young person is Kit Tyler, a recently orphaned teenager who has relocated from the Barbados - an idyllic island she has always regarded as home - to the cold, forbidding, and highly religious community of Wethersfield, Connecticut, in the 1600s.

Kit soon befriends an elderly widow who is ostracized as a witch by the rest of the community due to her divergent religious views (being a Quaker while the remainder of the community is Puritan). Predictably, Kit's reputation suffers because of her association with this kind woman, and ultimately she herself is accused by the townspeople of being a witch.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I just wish I had a 10 - 14 year old child or grandchild to whom I could have read it. It imparts valuable lessons about tolerance and having the courage to live and act in accordance with the dictates of one's own conscience, irrespective of what those around you do, say, or believe.

I guess I’m a black sheep when it comes to this book. It’s a classic, first published in the 1950s. I grew up hearing my teachers talk about how much they love it. I studied a few chapters of it when I was in college. Finally, I decided to read the entire thing and see what the fuss is about.

Unfortunately, I don’t understand the love. I was bored, honestly.

In the 1600s, much of the world is still controlled by England. Sixteen-year-old Kit moves from Barbados to Connecticut Colony after the death of her grandfather. To say that Kit doesn’t fit in at the Puritan colony is an understatement. Kit’s grandfather was a wealthy plantation owner. Kit grew up running wild on the island. Her family owned slaves, didn’t go to church, were loyal to the King of England, and had the finest clothes. When she moves in with her aunt and uncle, she’s expected to be a demure farm girl, but her willful temperament gets her in trouble with the town. After she befriends a mysterious Quaker woman, the townspeople begin to suspect that Kit is a witch.

As a main character, Kit is entertaining enough. All of the characters are imperfect. Kit’s a spoiled brat, but she doesn’t have the same prejudices as the Puritans, so she’s capable of making friends with social outcasts. Kit’s uncle is a hard-ass, but he stands up for her when she needs it. All of the characters have a realistic mixture of strengths and weaknesses. The characters grow over the course of the novel. Kit learns how to adapt to difficult situations. Some of the other characters learn empathy and how to stand up for what they believe.

The plot is where I struggled. Maybe I had unrealistic expectations? I knew there was a witch trial in the book, so that’s what I expected to read about. Instead, I spent a lot of time waiting for something to happen. All the witch stuff occurs at the very end. The rest of the story is mostly about a love triangle (love square? Hexagon?). Kit and her two cousins meet three boys. There’s some polite Puritan drama about who wants who. The drama is probably interesting if you like romance, but I just wanted to get to the witch trial.

It didn’t help that the writing is mediocre. The writing gets the job done, but I never felt compelled to reread passages. I did like the setting. When Kit gets to Connecticut, she’s disappointed by the tiny town. The colonists dedicate their lives to work and church. It’s very different from what Kit (and modern readers) are used to. The Meadow is the only place where Kit feels she can be herself.

This isn’t a bad book. It just wasn’t for me. I always have a hard time with books that focus on romance. They just don’t hold my attention. If I was a romance reader, I might have liked The Witch of Blackbird Pond a lot more.