Read Alouds - The Witch of Blackbird Pond

by Kerry Wennersten
(Sydney, NSW, Australia)

Kit Tyler is the main character. Raised by her Grandfather who lives in the Carribean she becomes orphaned with his passing. She heads off to the bleak shores of Conneticut Colony in anticipation of living with her relatives. Arriving unannounced into a stern Puritan community the only place she feels free is in the meadows where she enjoys the company of the old Quaker woman known as the witch of Blackbird pond.

What we loved about this book- Right from the first page the writer (Elizabeth George Speare) draws you quickly into the story. A story that covers many topics with a healthy sense of humour. This book gave us as a family some good discussion points around the issues of romance, fear, suspicion, anger, patience, contentment, grace as well as passion, truth and integrity.

A lively book that depicts the early colonisation of America and the challenges that were faced as America expanded. A great read aloud book for teenage girls but my boy enjoyed most parts of it.