One Witch at a Time, by Stacy DeKeyser, is a follow-up to her book, The Brixen Witch from a few years ago. Just as Ms. DeKeyser used the pied piper fable to weave her first magical tale, she now invokes Jack and the Beanstalk to form this story. I don't think this story is quite as good as the first, but it appears to have earned multiple children's literature awards. This book is perfect for a fourth or fifth grade reader.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond, by Elizabeth George Speare, is a suspenseful Newbury-winning classic set in the time of colonial America. In the story, sixteen-year-old Kit has arrived on the shores of Connecticut after having to leave her beloved island of Barbados. Kit is met with suspicion and hostility everywhere she turns, until an old woman befriends her. Sadly, this friendship does more harm than good as the locals think the old woman is a witch. This would be a great read for a student that plans to visit Salem, MA.
Do not be fooled by Quentin Blake's cartoony cover of Roald Dahl's classic twisted story,
The Witches. As our seven-year old hero learns, witches are real; they live among us; and they are sinister, malicious children-haters. If you get a chance to watch the movie, be prepared for the special effects that will frighten even the most jaded young viewer.
Which witch will your reader choose?
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