A Classroom Full of Books: The Witches of Worm - #Book Review - 3 Star

I love young adult books with a coming of age theme. The Witches of Worm shares this theme.

The Witches of Worm

by: Zilpha Keattey Snyder

Newbery Honor Book - 1973

Paperback Copy With New Cover, List Price: $6.99

ISBN: 978-1-4169-9053-6

Middle School - Early High School

Jessica, a young girl that is very lonely, discovers a small kitten. She considers it less than a kitten but nurtures it. She begins to do things, that she blames on the cat. Her claim is that the cat has made her do it. This book was written, according to the author's foreword, after she read The Devil in Maassachusetts: A Modern Enquiry into the Salem Witch Trials by Marion L. Starkey. The concept of supernatural belief as an out, instead of taking responsibility for your actions was the founding idea of this book.?

My Review:

I rate this book a 3/5. When I read books that have won awards in the past I try to not let the guide my review. This book's story was easy to follow. It was difficult to get into however. I feel that children reading this book that become disinterested will put it down and never pick it back up.?

There are no likable characters in the entire story. A negative perspective is shown on each character. I do think that as the book wraps up children will begin to related to the teens in the story. However, for the majority of the book there may be a sense of loathing towards the characters.?

I have to caution parents and teachers that feel they would like to use this book. There is questionable or inappropriate content. This book does have a seance and speak a lot of witchcraft. I am not saying to not include it as it alludes to historical occurrences and has a good solid lesson: "We make our own evils and the only way to make them go away is to take responsibility."

Overall I think this book, once it hooks you, is an easier young adult read. It may help troubled teens find a character they may relate to. I do caution parents and teachers, please read this book before you pass it on to a child. There were times in the story I was frightened and had to put the book down.

Activities:

Since this a book for an older child the activities may be more complex.

1. Read The Crucible or parts of it and make comparisons between Jessica and Ann Putnam.

2. Draw a picture of one of your favorite or least favorite characters in the book. One thing the story has is very detailed descriptions of characters so this activity would be a lot of fun.?

3. Why might the author have written this in 1970? Research and report on the author and time period this book was written.

4. Supernatural throughout the ages. This book focuses on a child's supernatural belief. These beliefs are always changing and vary in different societies. Do a historical project on supernatural belief.

5. Friendship, Jessica has a lack of friendship in this book. If you have read this in a reading group or as a class discuss how friends might have changed Jessica's perception of the world and how people can be good friends. This would be a timely discussion as middle and high school are all about coming into your own and friendship changes a lot during these years.?

Disclaimer: I was not financially compensated for this review. I purchased a copy of this book at my local thrift store. All opinions and activity ideas are my own. Feel free to add other ideas in the comments section.

Source: http://aclassroomofbooks.blogspot.com/2011/06/witches-of-worm-book-review-3-star.html

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