The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Spear

The Newberry Medal wining historical fiction novel, The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Spear, visits seventeenth century colonial Connecticut in a time of redefining identities and questioning virtues.  Kit Tyler, a sixteen-year old-orphan who grew up in Barbados under care of her grandfather, has nowhere to go when her grandfather passes away.  The only living relative Kit knows is her mother's sister whom she has never met, but knows lives in the Connecticut Colony.  When Kit arrives in Connecticut she enters a Puritan community whose culture differs greatly than that of her upbringing.  The one person Kit can confide in is an old Quaker woman who lives near Blackbird Pond.  Everyone in the Puritan community believes the old woman is a witch.  When the community discovers that Kit has befriended her, Kit finds herself being accused of being a witch as well.  The only thing that can save Kit from a full witch trial is the honesty of the community and the loyalty of her friends and family.

In The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Spears gives readers an inside look into the culture of a Puritan community of colonial New England.  Readers as young as fifth or sixth grade can relate to Kit as she grapples with conforming to a new culture while trying to maintain her own identity.  Children can understand the themes of holding true to one's beliefs, of accepting other people's differences, and the importance of community and teamwork.  Spears envelops the reader in Kit's troubles and joys with a language that brings Kit's surrounding and thoughts to life.  Any student would enjoy exploring colonial New England through this novel which bring a very real, believable person to life to whom children can relate.