Name (First Name, Last Initial)
Ethan K
Age
8
Book Title
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Author(s)
Elizabeth George Speare
Genre
Historical Fiction
What is the setting of the book?
It takes place in Wethersfield, Connecticut, around 1687. The town consists of a meeting house, and other little houses. It’s not so big.There is a place nearby called Blackbird Pond, with a cottage near it. Sometimes, in spring, the pond overflows.
Who is/are the main character(s)? What are they like?
Katherine Tyler (“Kit”) is the main character, and she makes friends with a woman living in the cottage at Blackbird Pond. This woman, Hannah Turper, is believed to be a witch by the people of Wethersfield. Kit came from the Barbados and traveled on a ship named the Dolphin. Hannah has a cat and kittens, and makes blueberry cake to cure bad feelings.
What is the conflict of the story?
Katherine has to settle into Wethersfield and overcome the feeling that she doesn’t belong. Also, Hannah is accused of being a witch, and Kit is too!
What was the conclusion of the book?
Hannah’s house is burned down by the townspeople, but Kit takes Hannah to the Dolphin and Hannah sails away. Kit is found innocent of witchcraft.Kit’s friend, Nathaniel Eaton, has bought his own ship. Kit goes with him, and they sail away and live on the ship.
While reading the book, what were your emotions?
At some points I felt a bit scared, like during Katherine’s trial. I was afraid she might have been found guilty! I felt happy and relieved when she was found innocent. And I felt a bit angry when they burned Hannah’s house down, because it was so unfair.
Do you think the book had a moral? If so, what was it?
I don’t really think it had a moral, but one lesson is: “It’s silly to accuse someone of witchcraft, because witchcraft isn’t real.”
Star Rating
Selected Value: 6 (0 min / 10 max)
Why did you give the book this rating?
I didn’t find it really super entertaining; there wasn’t a lot of action. But it’s still a good book. I liked the history and the drama of it, and there was a bit of suspense.
What was your favorite/least favorite part?
My favorite part was at the end, at the arrival of Nathaniel’s ship. It was exciting, and I felt really nice when it arrived and that the ship looked so handsome. And I also liked the name of the ship: The Witch!
Would you recommend this book to others? Why?
Yes, I would! It’s a good book. I would recommend it to people who like history, and are okay with a lot of drama.
How much action was in the book?
Selected Value: 5 (0 min / 10 max)
How much drama was in the book?
Selected Value: 7 (0 min / 10 max)
How much humor was in the book?
Selected Value: 3 (0 min / 10 max)
How much suspense was in the book?
Selected Value: 6 (0 min / 10 max)
Book Report: The Witch of Blackbird Pond