"What a pity every child couldn't learn to read under a willow tree, Kit thought a week later. She and Prudence sat on a cool grassy carpet. A pale green curtain of branches just brushed the grasses and threw a filigree of shadows, as delicate as the wrought silver, on the child's face."
I love this book by Elizabeth George Speare. I loved it the first time I read it aloud, several years ago to Jesse, and I loved it even more the second time around. The story, set in 1687, centers on Kit Tyler, who must make the terrible transition from sunny Barbados to Connecticut Colony--from her kind grandfather and life of freedom to her Puritan relatives and the abundant rules of that society. Kit is thrown into a life of hard work and confusion, but her life of drudgery is transformed when she meets an old Quaker woman, known in the community as The Witch. When the people of the community suddenly embark on a witch hunt, Kit puts her own life in danger to save Hannah Tupper.
The books is full of information about life in Puritan Connecticut; the reader gets a great sense of the difficulties faced by these early settlers--constant work, illness, uncertainty, political unrest--as well as customs, beliefs, and traditions. This is one of my favorites in our American History studies.
Comments
Tuesday, January 22, 2008 - I loved this book, too!
Posted by QueenoftheHill
Yet another Sonlight book that made me cry...
Saturday, January 26, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
This was one of my favorite books growing up. I just acquired a copy again, and have been meaning to re-read it.
btw, I came across your blog via Saturday review of books.
Alisia
http://nyssaneala.blogspot.com
Saturday, January 26, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I read this book aloud to my kids a few years ago too. This and Johnny Tremaine are their all-time favorites.
Happy Saturday!
Amy
http://sleepyreader.blogspot.com
Saturday, January 26, 2008 - Excellent book
Posted by Anonymous
Thanks for reviewing this one. By far, one of the best young adult books available today, and one of the most sensitive fictional accounts of Puritan America as well.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Christina
My daughter LOVED this book!!!
