Did You Hear What Happened in Salem?: The Witch Trials of 1692

Gr 4-8–In this enjoyable narrative nonfiction story, writer Kennedy and illustrator Thornborrow frame the Salem witch trials of 1692-1693 as a true crime story, wherein the accusers are the real criminals. In the Massachusetts Bay Colony, over 100 victims, women, some men, children, and even pet dogs were falsely accused of witchcraft and put in prison. Some were killed by hanging, and some died in prison without even getting a trial. To examine possible motives, the book does an excellent job of looking at the evidence of disputes, money, and jealousies between the families of the accusers and the families of their victims. Sometimes Kennedy changes perspective in an awkward manner and speaks about herself as somehow being present for the story (“I know. I was there”). It turns out at the end the shift is to establish the identity of hidden narrator revealed at the book’s end, which might be clearer only for older readers. Overall, the compelling story will capture the attention of reluctant readers with unique facts to keep them turning the pages, wondering what absurd, chaotic event will happen next. A cast of characters, list of the dead, recipe for a witch cake, and list of further reading are included.