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The Witch Of Blackbird Pond

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1958

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Book Brief

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Elizabeth George Speare

The Witch Of Blackbird Pond

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1958
Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Connecticut Colony • Late 1600s

Publication Year

1958

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

850L

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Super Short Summary

The Witch of Blackbird Pond follows sixteen-year-old Kit Tyler as she transitions from a luxurious life in Barbados to the austere Puritan community of Wethersfield, Connecticut, in 1687. Kit's vibrant personality and unconventional ways clash with her stern uncle and the local authorities. Her friendship with a reclusive Quaker woman, Hannah Tupper, and her struggles against intolerance reveal themes of belonging, individualism, and the dangers of societal prejudice.

Mysterious

Nostalgic

Suspenseful

Romantic

Reviews & Readership

4.3

160,595 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare is lauded for its compelling narrative and historical accuracy, capturing the complexities of 17th-century Puritan New England. Praised for rich character development, especially of protagonist Kit, it also faces criticism for its sometimes slow pacing. Overall, it’s heralded as an insightful and engaging read for younger audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Witch Of Blackbird Pond?

A reader who would enjoy The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare is likely a fan of historical fiction, particularly with strong, independent young female protagonists. Comparable to readers of Little House on the Prairie and Anne of Green Gables, they appreciate immersive settings, personal growth, and themes of societal conflict and acceptance.

4.3

160,595 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Kit Tyler

Katherine “Kit” Tyler, a 16-year-old with an independent spirit, struggles to adjust from the liberal atmosphere of Barbados to her straitlaced Puritan family in New England.

Nat Eaton, a 19-year-old first mate on the Dolphin and the son of a ship captain, is open-minded due to his travels and has an interest in Kit.

Hannah Tupper is an elderly Quaker widow living on the outskirts of Wethersfield, offering refuge and companionship to those like Kit and Nat.

Matthew Wood is Kit’s stern Puritan uncle in Wethersfield, who initially finds Kit’s presence disruptive but eventually comes to appreciate her.

Rachel Wood, Kit's kindly aunt and the sister of Kit's deceased mother, helps Kit adapt to colonial life and shows courage in difficult times.

Mercy Wood, the gentle elder daughter of Matthew and Rachel, possesses a resilient spirit despite her physical limitations and aids Kit in learning new skills.

Judith Wood, Mercy’s younger sister, is pretty but demanding; she focuses on material comforts and securing a prosperous union.

William Ashby is a wealthy and socially conscious young man who initially courts Kit and is noted for his dreams of building a grand house.

John Holbrook is a divinity student who becomes friends with Kit during her journey to Wethersfield, often surprised by her unconventional actions.

Prudence Cruff is a timid and undernourished young girl who befriends Kit and learns to read and write under her guidance.

Goodwife Cruff, a superstitious and harsh Puritan housewife, harbors suspicions against Kit and becomes a vocal accuser in her community.

Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Connecticut Colony • Late 1600s

Publication Year

1958

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

850L

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