Rosemary's Witch

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

The Morgenthaus seem content with their new house, but nine-year-old Rosemary feels a chill. Then she discovers that the house is haunted by the spirit of a girl named Mathilda. Neglected and never loved, Mathilda's hurt and anger has somehow denatured her; at age 150, she is a heinous witch. Rosemary explores this mystery and appeases Mathilda with presents, including her own beloved teddy bear. Certain elements linger unpleasantly--in particular, the message that a girl's rightful pain and rage will turn her into an evil witch is coercive and sexist. Additionally, readers may feel cheated when Rosemary's sacrifice of her teddy bear is erased after the witch inexplicably returns the gift. The book's spooky atmosphere, however, compensates for a somewhat opaque and slow-moving style. Ages 11-up. (Apr.)

Children's Literature - Jan Lieberman

Turner has written a multi-layered touching but spooky story about a witch who seeks to drive out the new family who has moved into her former home. At first, no one can explain the weird weather, the plague of toads, the missing toys, and on and on. It is only 9-year-old Rosemary who figures out what is going on and tries to help. This one will keep you glued to your chair.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-- Rosemary is delighted when her family moves from crowded quarters in Garden City to a large New England farmhouse. But Rosemary is puzzled by the sad face drawn among the wallpaper flowers of her new room. Treasured objects begin to disappear; a chilling fog arrives in July; and a plague of toads causes the small rural community to rumble with fear and speculation. Only nine-year-old Rosemary has the ability to perceive what is happening. A chanteuse of a storyteller, Turner uses poetic prose to caress the plot while keeping the tension turned high. Alternating the viewpoints of Rosemary and the witch who is causing the trouble allows the story to evolve in an unusual manner. Turner's splendid descriptive ability depicts a beautifully detailed landscape, the social exchanges of a small town, and a most nauseating witch. Character development is superb. In a believable way, insecure Rosemary gathers the courage to grapple with the 150-year-old woman's confused and malevolent thoughts. This courage, in turn, enables Rosemary to claim a place in her loving, yet competitive, family. Even the witch becomes a sympathetic figure as Rosemary leads her and readers to understand that home is not a collection of things, but rather warmth, company, and emotional comfort.-- Cindy Darling Codell, Belmont Junior High School, Winchester, KY