Witch Hunt: It Happened in Salem Village (Step into Reading, Step 4, paper) [Paperback]

Stephen Krensky (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 6, 1989 | Age Level: 7 and up | Series: Step into Reading

Illus. in full color. "Krensky ably retells the story of 1692 Salem witch trials, making clear the unfairness of the trials that led to the executions of 19 supposed witches. Color drawings add atmosphere. A good choice for a simple introduction to the ever-popular story of witchcraft in 17th century Salem."--School Library Journal.  

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

For perceptive as well as proficient readers, this book recounts the bizarre story of the hysteria in late 17th-century Salem that resulted in witch trials and executions. The Puritan lifestyle and religious ethos are clearly and simply described, providing a background and showing why "fear and hate ruled over common sense." Within that context, the behavior of young female accusers, magistrates and villagers becomes more comprehensible. The illustrations are only adequate, and contribute little to the compelling information. But this glimpse of American history should leave readers eager for more. Ages 7-9.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4-- Krensky ably retells the story of the 1692 Salem witch trials, offering a logical explanation for the fits which beset the young girls at the center of the hysteria and making clear the unfairness of the trials that led to the executions of 19 supposed witches. The short sentences imposed by the easy-to-read format make for a text that's a bit choppy in places, but not annoyingly so. The color drawings feature rather lumpish figures, but serve to break up the text and add a little atmosphere. Less successful than Marion Starkey's The Tall Man from Boston (Crown, 1975; o.p.), with its powerful drawings by Charles Mikolaycak, Krensky's book is still a good choice for a simple introduction to the ever-popular story of witchcraft in 17th-century Salem. --Elaine Fort Weischedel, Turner Free Library, Randolph, MA
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; A Step 4 Book/ Step Into Reading edition (May 6, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394819233
• ISBN-13: 978-0394819235
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #399,662 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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