I read this many years ago when I was in Girl Scouts of all things and had not yet heard of the Scarlet Letter. I knew a bit about the Puritans because, like most other young girls, I was fascinated by the Salem Witch Trials. This time around, I liked this book as much, or maybe even more than I did the first time. It is one of those YA novels that, despite the lead being a young person, encompasses so much history, family, and relationships that it crosses over to the adult audience very well.

Just as I did back then, I admire Kit and her spunkiness. However, the one thing that I realized that I never even thought of the first time I read this was just how hypocritical the Puritans really were. They left England to pursue freedom of religion and then came here and judged harshly anyone who was different than they were, those who did not see things the way they wanted them to. It's quite eye-opening to see this aspect of their behavior.

I'm glad I had a chance to read this again. It has given me a new perspective on both the story and the historical context in which it is set. It's a reminder that history is full of complex characters and events, and that we can always learn something new from revisiting the past.

I vividly remembered this book when I had the opportunity to reread it with my daughters a few years back.

The 'witch' mentioned in the title is actually a misnomer. In fact, she wasn't a witch at all. Instead, she had unjustly earned that reputation solely because of her remarkable skills with herbs.

During those times, there were prevalent fears and superstitions, and people were quick to label those with unusual knowledge or abilities as witches. However, this woman was simply a knowledgeable healer who used the power of plants to help others.

The story is an excellent one as it not only explores the theme of unjust judgment but also showcases the importance of understanding and empathy. It teaches us to look beyond the surface and not be quick to judge others based on unfounded beliefs.

Overall, it is a captivating tale that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

I have a deep affection for reading Newbery Award Winning books. Among all the book awards, this particular one holds a special place in my heart. I have a friend who has a rather unique practice. She gives her dogs names inspired by Newbery book titles. However, she doesn't have a dog named Witch of Blackbird Pond.

This book was published when I was just a tiny child, far too young to be able to read it. But around 5th or 6th grade, it became quite popular in my school library. There was only one copy available, and a long wait list to get it. Sadly, my turn never came until I had lost interest and moved on to other reading materials.

That's the reason why it took me a full sixty years to finally read this important work of YA historical fiction. It delicately portrays one of the most disgraceful events in the history of our soon-to-be young country, namely the hysteria and misogyny that prevailed during the witchcraft trials of the 17th century.

I'm starting to feel sleepy now. So, in conclusion, I would just like to say that "The Witch Of Blackbird Pond" remains highly relevant today and is most definitely worth a read.

One of my all-time favourites is this particular thing.

It has always held a special place in my heart and it never gets old.

No matter how many times I experience it, it always manages to bring a smile to my face and a sense of joy within me.

Whether it's a song, a book, a movie, or something else entirely, it has that unique charm that keeps drawing me back.

The memories associated with it are precious and they add to its allure.

It's like a trusted friend that is always there for me, ready to provide comfort and entertainment whenever I need it.

I can't imagine my life without it and I'm so grateful to have discovered it.

It truly is one of a kind and I will continue to cherish it for as long as I live.

Kit, Katherine Tyler, is truly a free spirit.

When her beloved grandfather passes away, she makes the bold decision to sell off his enormous home in Barbados and sets sail in search of her only remaining family in the Connecticut colony.

During the voyage, she bravely weathers a storm, manages to avoid seasickness, and even has the charm to engage in two entire conversations with the blue-eyed son of the ship’s captain.

However, upon arriving in the Connecticut mainland, Kit discovers that it presents a whole new set of challenges.

How can she endure the insidious patience required to carefully drop cornmeal in a bowl one pinch at a time? And the agony of spending her entire Sunday sitting on a hard pew during church service? Not to mention the spiteful tongue of her cousin Judith.

But there are far greater things to fear in the colonies than mere boredom.

When Kit begins to secretly sneak away in pursuit of her own happiness, the real danger begins to unfold.

I have an immense love for Kit! And also for Nat, the captain’s son! And Hannah, the kind Quaker woman who shares soft kittens and delicious blueberry pie. And Prudence, the little girl who needs Kit almost as much as Kit needs her.

This book is truly one of my favorites. It is filled with wonderful historical details that bring the past to life, while also featuring fun and alive characters that you can’t help but feel as though you would love to meet in person.

I have read The Witch of Blackbird Pond at least a dozen times, maybe even two-dozen. And now, after reflecting on it, I may just have to read it again.

I was truly not anticipating to relish this book to the extent that I did. To be frank, I only commenced reading it because I had several classics sitting on my To-Read shelf for an incredibly long time and felt the need to read one of them to alleviate my guilt, lol. But, oh my, was I impressed!

Yes, indeed, the story has a somewhat old-fashioned charm, yet it is SO GOOD. Kit and I have now become the best of friends and that final part at the end when she finally realizes what she desires and gets to be happy with Nat just made my heart expand with joy.

Prudence is so endearing, and her character is developed almost as well as Kit's. I truly wish Hannah would have received more page time. She is a most captivating person and truly brings to life the superstitions of that era. This is truly one of the finest books I have ever read, and I would highly recommend it again to those aged 12 and above (I believe younger ones would also enjoy it as a read-aloud).

One of my favorite historical fictions is "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare. It's an enthralling read that takes you on a captivating journey back in time.

Follow Kit as she arrives on the bleak shores of Connecticut during the Puritan times. Growing up in Barbados with a loving grandfather, she is completely unprepared for the harsh, hard-working, and god-fearing life of colonial America. Her new family, consisting of an aunt, uncle, and two cousins, has mixed feelings about this new addition to their household.

Kit finds comfort and solace with an old hermit woman named Hannah, a Quaker who is unjustly condemned as a witch by the townsfolk, and Nat, the passionate son of a merchant ship's captain. But she has to face many challenges that rage through the town, including accusations of witchcraft aimed at her.

Set against a backdrop of Patriots vs. Loyalists, witch hunts, and other historical events, this is far from a dull history tale. It is the story of a girl who dares to stand out in a society that tries to suppress her, and ultimately finds her place in the world. The vivid descriptions and well-developed characters make this book a must-read for anyone interested in history and adventure.

What a fun yet deep read!

This statement truly encapsulates the essence of the literary work in question. As you delve into its pages, you'll quickly discover that it's not just a lighthearted and entertaining read, but one that also has the power to touch your soul and make you think deeply about various aspects of life.

One of the most remarkable features of this book is the diverse cast of characters it presents. Each character is uniquely developed, with their own set of strengths, weaknesses, dreams, and fears. This makes it easy for readers to find at least one or two characters that they can identify with on a personal level.

Whether you're drawn to the protagonist's unwavering determination, the antagonist's complex motives, or the supporting characters' endearing quirks, there's no denying that these characters add depth and authenticity to the story. They make you care about what happens to them, and they keep you engaged from beginning to end.

Now, as I look back, I can clearly recall the reasons why I wasn't overly fond of his book during my childhood. The main character's constant lamenting about being worked like a slave at every turn, combined with the Puritans' eerily familiar论调 that people are evil if they don't worship as they do, made me quickly lose interest in the book almost as soon as I began reading it.

Set in 1687, the story offers a glimpse into the colonies before the American Revolution. The protagonist, Kit, who has spent her entire life in Barbados with only her grandfather as her guardian, embarks on a journey to live with her aunt in the Connecticut colony. We learn that Kit arrives without prior notice to her family because she is penniless and homeless after her grandfather's passing. This should have evoked more sympathy from me, but instead, I found myself as irritated as her uncle when she shows up and expresses disdain for the town and the way others dress.

Trying to make friends with her two cousins, Kit is put to work, and we soon discover that she is not particularly adept at anything except feeling self-righteous and angry about being treated worse than a slave.

I wish there had been more time dedicated to exploring the other characters. We know that Mercy is kind and generous, while Judith is selfish and vain. We also know that Uncle Matthew is strict and religious, and Aunt Rachel is submissive.

The Quaker faith could have been delved into more deeply, but unfortunately, we only hear from other characters about what happened to Hannah and why she is regarded as a witch. There is no sense of outrage over what was done to her and the fact that she had to flee her home because of this backward town.

The only redeeming quality of this book, in my opinion, is that Speare takes the time to describe how the town, seaport, and other areas look. It was an interesting period that she transported the reader back to, and I was genuinely intrigued by the first signs of discontent among the colonists.

The dialogue was average, and the flow of the story was decent. However, I felt that more setup was needed, especially considering that every character seems to achieve a happily ever after randomly. Given what we know about the Salem witch trials, it is difficult to believe that Kit's family would face no further consequences for her association with a "witch."

What a pity every child couldn't learn to read under a willow tree...”

― Elizabeth George Speare, The Witch of Blackbird Pond

This is a book from my childhood and one of the finest pieces of historical fiction I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It is truly one of the best books out there.

Please do not assume that this book is only for children or young adults if you haven't read it. You would be surprised to know how many people I know who have read this in adulthood. I myself have read it multiple times, although my first encounter with it was during my childhood.

Kit is a newcomer to the United States. She has journeyed here from Barbados. She knows no one and is unfamiliar with the Puritan culture. With her grandfather's passing, her only remaining family is her Aunt Rachel. She arrives with the hope of living with Rachel and her family, as she is left bereft and has little to leave behind.

Kit is accustomed to the free-spirited way of life she has always known in Barbados. She knows nothing of the customs that govern New England. She is ignorant about how the village people view women. She doesn't realize that women here don't know how to read, can't swim, and most importantly, she is unaware of the witch trials and the rules that regulate the land.

It doesn't take long for Kit to befriend two people. One is Prudence, a scared little child whose family believes she is "dumb" and consequently, she doesn't attend school. The other is Hannah, a widow and a Quaker who lives alone. The villagers regard her with deep suspicion and mistrust, firmly convinced that she must be a witch.

This is just a glimpse of what the book is about, but I have barely scratched the surface. It is considered a classic, and I reread it every few years, especially when I long to travel back in time and relive my childhood. I can't think of a better piece of writing in the historical fiction genre. If you missed it as a kid or an adult, it is a book that will stay with you.

Now, I have some spoilers, specifically about the ending. So, if you haven't read the book, stop here.

The last scene is among the most romantic and satisfying I have ever read. Similarly, the trial and Prudence's testimony are written to perfection. I often find myself thinking of Kit, Nat, Mercy, Judith, John Holbrook, Aunt Rachel, Mathew, Prudence, and Hanna. They all leaped off the pages and became my friends. Sometimes, the smell of New England, along with apple pie, kittens, boats, and the sound of the ocean, will transport me back to this wonderful book. Please, do yourself a favor and read this book.

I had the opportunity to read this book in 4th grade. At that time, while the rest of the class was engrossed in a book that I had already perused, my 4th grade teacher, perhaps with a hidden motive considering the background in which I was being raised, assigned this particular book to me.

Little did I know then that this seemingly random choice would have a profound impact on me. It opened up a new world of ideas and emotions, challenging my perspective and expanding my understanding.

Recently, someone randomly recommended this book to me again. It brought back memories of that formative experience in 4th grade. So, without hesitation, I thought I'd add it to my read list once more. I'm eager to revisit those pages and see if it still holds the same magic and power that it did all those years ago.

I'm curious to discover if I'll notice new details, gain deeper insights, or simply be reminded of the importance of this book in shaping my love for reading and learning.

I truly have a deep affection for this book. Every time I pick it up and start reading, it's like embarking on a wonderful journey. In the past five years, I've lost count of how many times I've read it, but I think it's around three or four times. This leads me to believe that it must be a source of comfort for me. (:

Kit Tyler is an amazing heroine. I'm captivated by the details of her arrival in Connecticut during such a crucial period in our history. The author does an outstanding job of setting the scene, both in terms of time and place. She has the remarkable ability to bring all the characters to life, making them seem so real that they almost jump off the pages. I love Kit's relationships with each of them and the way she manages to remain calm and strong, even when facing the challenges of moving from Barbados, adapting to her family's more rigid religious lifestyle, and when wrongly accused of being a witch.

My son has taken as much pleasure in reading this book as my girls did a few years ago. I wholeheartedly appreciate the author's skill in making it accessible and appealing to both girls and boys. It's a book that can be enjoyed by the whole family and passed down through the generations.