Module 11 - Witch-hunt : mysteries of the Salem witch trials

Cover art retrieved from the books record in worldcat

Biography

Aronson, M. (2005). Witch Hunt: mysteries of the Salem witch trials.  New York: Simon & Schuster Children’s Pub.

Summary

Marc Aronson takes readers on an exploration of the events that led up to and took place during the Salem witch trials. He provides information about the Puritans arriving by ship at New England and their attitudes, which puts the history behind manifest destiny into perspective.  Aronson provides stories about the accusers and their accused as well as an explanation of 17^th century religious tests and trials to prove the guilt of a witch.  Aronson also provides other theories to explain the mass hysteria in Salem.

My Impression

Informational books are not my first choice of reading materials but I couldn’t help but find myself engulfed in this book.  The different theories surrounding the accusations and the resulting hysteria were interesting.  It’s amazing how intolerant people can be towards others around them.  The illustrations were dark which matched the mood of this book.

Reviews/Awards

“A dynamic narrative hooks readers into thining about the mysteries of the past and their continued influence on modern life.”— School Library Journal, 2004 Supplement, Vol. 50

“With as much historiography as history, it’s all a bit heavy going, yet the story—what happened and why it may have happened—retains its luster as an intriguing, dramatic exemplar of human experience.—Margaret Bush (Horn Book Magazine Vol., 80 No. 1)

“This is excellent history writing that involves the reader in the excitement of discovery and the thrill of recreating the past.”—Kirkus Reviews (Vol. 71, No. 20)

Suggested Activities

In a school library, this would be a great book for teachers to use as supplement reading when teaching about this period of American history.  Within the classroom, the teacher could have students make lists of pertinent information from the book such as names, devices, and places.  Teachers could then have the students visit the library for a scavenger hunt, which would consist of finding books that focus on each student’s list.