The Witch of Blackbird Pond

By Elizabeth George Speare

A girl faces witchcraft accusations in colonial Connecticut, torn between belonging and truth.

5.5/7 Bookroo expert·4.0/5 Goodreads · 162,039 ratings

249 pages· 59,817 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

In 1687 Connecticut, Kit Tyler, a spirited girl from Barbados, battles suspicion and isolation. Her friendship with the mysterious Hannah, rumored to be a witch, challenges her loyalty and courage. As Kit navigates a world of prejudice, she must decide between following her heart or conforming to societal expectations. Will she find her place in this new world, or will the fear of witchcraft consume her? Discover Kit's journey of self-discovery and resilience in a time of fear and superstition.

From the publisher

Sixteen-year-old Kit Tyler is marked by suspicion and disapproval from the moment she arrives on the unfamiliar shores of colonial Connecticut in 1687. Alone and desperate, she has been forced to leave her beloved home on the island of Barbados and join a family she has never met. Torn between her quest for belonging and her desire to be true to herself, Kit struggles to survive in a hostile place. Just when it seems she must give up, she finds a kindred spirit. But Kit’s friendship with Hannah Tupper, believed by the colonists to be a witch, proves more taboo than she could have imagined and ultimately forces Kit to choose between her heart and her duty.

Elizabeth George Speare won the 1959 Newbery Medal for this portrayal of a heroine whom readers will admire for her unwavering sense of truth as well as her infinite capacity to love.

Awards

Newbery Medal (1959)

At a glance

Format: Paperback
Pages: 249
Words: 59,817
Reading age: 11–15
Audience: Young Adult
Lexile: 850L

Themes & topics

Books about Colonial and Revolutionary periods Books about prejudice and racism Books about missing home and homesickness Books about witchcraft Books about Halloween

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.5

out of 7

5.5

“I read this book as a kid, and it's stuck with me my whole life in that way only books you read as a kid ever can. I so enjoyed the adventure of this story and spent so much time thinking about it, and it was a great introduction to this period of American history. I think this book is perfect for independent readers in grades 4-6.”

Lauren Hancock

Trusted reviewer

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