Witch Child by Celia Rees

Bibliographic Information:

Rees, C. (2008). Witch child. New York, NY. ISBN# 1439574448

Plot Summary:
Witch Child introduces the reader to Mary Newbury. She is a young woman being raised by her grandmother in 1659 England as her mother died in childbirth and she doesn’t know her father. The book opens with the torture and hanging of Mary’s grandmother as a witch. After watching her grandmother murders, Mary fears that she might be next. She is whisked off to Puritan New England by Martha. In the new world she does find a new family who cares for and understands her. Unfortunately, the fear of witchcraft follows Mary to the new world. She is independent, which is atypical for a young woman of her time. She dresses in boy’s clothes and explores the woods. She cavorts with the native people. This actions cause the townsfolk to be suspicious of her. When the crops fail, when animals die, when people get sick, Mary is suspected. Eventually, Mary is betrayed, the community accuses her of being a witch. She fears for her life, again.

Critical Evaluation:
By writing Witch Child as a diary, Rees brings the reader more deeply into the story. We see what Mary sees and feel what Mary feels. Rees thoroughly researched Witch Child. Two of her characters are loosely based on real people. The setting and thought processes of the time are also accurately portrayed. Once again Rees has a strong female character in Mary. She doesn’t give up even when things look grim. Rees shows her readers that they are not bound by convention. Mary goes against societal norms. She consorts with the Indians, dresses like a boy, and wanders the woods. Teens will be able to relate to Mary. Most all teens do something, or feel like doing something, that their families, friends, or society in general feels is inappropriate. This almost rebellious streak in Mary will strike a chord with these teens. Another theme in the book is that of fear. Mary fears being accused of witchcraft. She fears being murdered. And she fears having to give up her way of life by conforming too much. This is a great work of historical fiction and should is a must for most all collections.

Reader's Annotation:
After Mary’s grandmother is hanged as a witch, Mary is whished off for the new world. Unfortunately, the accusation of being a witch follows her across the Atlantic.

Information about the author:
Born in 1949, Celia Rees grew up in Solihull, England. Rees taught secondary English for seventeen years. While teaching she asked her students why they didn’t read the assigned books; they responded “that they wanted books with action, horror, danger, magic and pirates.” Rees then decided, “I wanted to write the kinds of books my teenage pupils would want to read.”

In addition to writing, Ms. Rees visits schools to discuss her books and writing. She goes to various receptions, discussions, and writing panels to discuss books and writing with other writers. Discussing her craft with other writers is very important to Ms. Rees. Rees also feels strongly about libraries. Rees feels that libraries should not be closed as a means to save money, especially not in the poorest areas.

Currently, Rees lives in Learnington Spa in Warwickshire, England. She lives with her husband Terry. They have a daughter, Catrin, who lives in London.
http://www.contemporarywriters.com/authors/?p=auth03A14J441312634823
http://www.encompassculture.com/readerinresidence/authors/celiarees/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celia_Rees
http://www.celiarees.blogspot.com
http://www.celiarees.com/author/biography.html

Genre: Historical Fiction

Curriculum Ties: Language Arts; History

Booktalking Ideas:
• Discuss the fear and hysteria of witchcraft from the 17th century.
• Why is Mary’s grandmother suspected of being a witch?
• How is Mary atypical from young girls of her time?
• Why is she suspected of being a witch?
• How does Rees incorporate fear into the story?
• If you were Mary in the 17th century, how would you have acted? Why?

Reading Level/Interest Level:
The widest age range, according to the reviews, is 11 – young adult.

Challenge Issues:
Witchcraft; hanging; torture

If the book is challenged:
• Listen calmly to the complainant.
• Ask if s/he has read the entire novel.
• Show positive reviews of the novel.
• Show the selection policy.
If the complainant still has issues with the book:
• Request that the complainant read the entire book if this has not already occurred.
• Have the complainant fill out a reconsideration form.
• Set up a reconsideration meeting.
o Provide the reconsideration meeting members with:
 Positive reviews
 Selection policy
 Reconsideration policy

Selection Process:
I did a search on Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database with the following criteria: Award winner, reviews available, and age range from 15 – 18.

Seven positive reviews

Awards/ Best Books Lists:
• Appears on five Best Books Lists
• Appears on five state/provincial reading lists
• Has received one award

Reading/Interest level, selection process information, reviews, and Awards/Best Books Lists were accessed using the Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database at http://clcd.odyssi.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~rX7Tcw:4 accessed through SJSU and not available to everyone.