Witch of Blackbird Pond (Yearling Newbery)

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful. Simply one of those books you 'have' to read!
Review: This is one of my all-time favorite books, next to 'Jacob Have I Loved'. It is INCREDIBLY engrossing. The Puritan setting is done in such a believable manner that you are sucked into the story. You can easily imagine yourself to be right there with Kit and enjoy every minute of it. Kit, as a heroine is very likeable and authentic. She begins the story with pride that borders on conceit and ends with a mature and well-tempered strength. Throughout the novel I got a kick from her defiant attitude and spirit. The relationships between all the characters in the story are the heart of the novel. While the mystery and action elements of 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond' are well-done and could stand alone (the plot moves along very nicely), it's really the relationship aspects of the novel that appealed to me. I also have to mention that there are moments of fine humor that make me laugh out loud. I can't say that about many other books I've read. I will probably re-read this book many, many times. I think it's unfortunate that students are forced to read this book before they are ready to enjoy it. If you had to read this book for school and found it hard to get through, I would strongly recommend that you give it another shot when you're older. You won't regret it.