Salem Witch Trials

School Library Journal

Gr 5-9-These titles focus more on the people involved in historical movements than on the events. Each book begins with an overview of its topic and then transitions into one- to two-page biographies that highlight each person's contributions. Kops provides a bit more background information than Orr does. Featuring reformers such as Mary Wollstonecraft, Sojourner Truth, Lucretia Mott, and Susan B. Anthony, the profiles clearly explain the role each played in the women's rights movement. Photographs and paintings appear throughout, often depicting these women in action. Orr presents an easy-to-understand account of the conflicts leading up to the hysteria surrounding the events in Salem. Beginning with two 15th-century German priests who wrote a book about identifying and hunting witches, the author introduces Cotton Mather, Tituba, Rebecca Nurse, and others. While the text explains the origin of the accusations and the backgrounds of the accused, it does not address all of the questions surrounding the Puritans' frenzied fear of witches. The well-chosen pictures exhibit the emotional anguish attached to the events. The simplicity of the writing makes both books perfect for introductory reading, or for reluctant readers.-Julie Webb, Shelby County High School, Shelbyville, KY Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.