jenbsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
...ok, I have to admit to reading historical romances while in elementary school, because THIS book IS a historical romance (and it's just fine for young readers!) The story was very compelling.
melancholylethe's review against another edition
4.0
I reread this book for a reading challenge I issued against my students. It was one of my favorite books from my childhood and it wasn’t spoiled in the rereading, which was a pleasant surprise. Quite enjoyable.
fairestskyebooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
owlreally's review against another edition
5.0
A classic. I enjoyed re-reading it from my childhood.
jackyobrien6's review against another edition
4.0
Even though this is considered juvenile fiction, I think this can be enjoyed at any age. This is a great story about the Puritan world from the eyes of a Barbados girl. It shows the difference in values, as well as how Kit's happy attitude and differing ways can brighten up the town. I thought Kit was such a beautiful character, and that she brought out the best of each person she came in contact with, even while a witch hunt is in place.
brosen's review against another edition
5.0
What a great story! I can't believe that I never read this as a kid, though I know my mom mentioned it to me. My 3rd grader is reading it for AR as well, and she seems to be enjoying it as well.
jenmillie's review against another edition
3.0
i loved this book as a kid. read it repeatedly, loved!
it's still pretty good, but the parts where it's all cavalier about slave ownership is...weird.
the main lines about finding friends in odd places, as an kid, i still enjoyed.
it's still pretty good, but the parts where it's all cavalier about slave ownership is...weird.
the main lines about finding friends in odd places, as an kid, i still enjoyed.
kristinaray717's review against another edition
Another required reading book from 5th grade. I don't remember anything about it except that I didn't enjoy it and it wasn't what I thought of when I thought of witches. It was dry and boring, not at all what captivated me as a narrow-minded 10-year-old.
After reading the premise and reviews, I probably would enjoy it now.
After reading the premise and reviews, I probably would enjoy it now.
jamie_o's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this one. Kit was a very likeable main character with excellent growth. You could feel her inner struggle as a new orphan trying to adjust to life in Puritan Connecticut in the late 1600's, after having lived a far less restrictive life in Barbados with her doting grandfather. She came to Connecticut to live with her Aunt Rachel, Uncle Matthew and their two teenage daughters. Kit stuck out from the start. On the ship during the journey to Connecticut, she kindly jumped into the water and swam to rescue a girl's lost doll and was told that 'only the guilty can float, righteous people sink' - whoa! Lonely Kit ended up befriending her cousin Mercy and a sweet, gentle Quaker woman named Hannah Tupper who was an outcast and viewed by the Puritans as a witch for her different beliefs.
There are so many great things about this book. The characters and their actions are true to the time period. The author didn't insert modern sensibilities into her 1600's characters. Additionally, the characters are complex. It's a simple, yet thought provoking story. There's a touch of barely there romance - I actually wanted more Kit and Nat interaction, but understandably this is a middle grades/YA book. Kit's witch trial (especially when little Prudence came into the room) was one of my favorite parts, along with the ending. I love that Kit thought she knew what she wanted, but realized she had changed.
The book had me looking up the dates of the Salem witch trials (1692-1693), and the differences between the Puritans and Quakers, which is fascinating.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Mary Beth Hurt.
There are so many great things about this book. The characters and their actions are true to the time period. The author didn't insert modern sensibilities into her 1600's characters. Additionally, the characters are complex. It's a simple, yet thought provoking story. There's a touch of barely there romance - I actually wanted more Kit and Nat interaction, but understandably this is a middle grades/YA book. Kit's witch trial (especially when little Prudence came into the room) was one of my favorite parts, along with the ending. I love that Kit thought she knew what she wanted, but realized she had changed.
The book had me looking up the dates of the Salem witch trials (1692-1693), and the differences between the Puritans and Quakers, which is fascinating.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Mary Beth Hurt.
sodarragh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
My absolute favourite book from childhood. Kit learns about her world and herself- and how strong she really is.