Witch-hunt: Mysteries of the Salem witch trials by Marc Aronson

Bibliographic Information:
Aronson, M. (2003). Witch-hunt: Mysteries of the Salem witch trials. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN# 0689848641

Plot Summary:
Transcripts from the Salem witch trials jump between people and are not in chronological order. Aronson took these transcripts and arranged them in chronological order. He also studied the most popular theories behind the trials, debunking some. Aronson discusses how Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, while based on the trials, has numerous flaws. Some of the settlers had recently arrived from an area that had been involved in wars with Native Americans. This fear could have contributed to the hysteria. He describes the “afflicted” girls as bored. The book shows how the girls' religious backgrounds and societal norms of the time gave them few ways to be independent. Living in such a strict environment, the girls may have gone to extremes to amuse themselves. When things snowballed, they didn’t know how to get events back under control. The sad conclusion is that nineteen people died.

Critical Evaluation:
Aronson presents a fairly thorough account highlighting the major theories of the Salem witch trials. He has done his research; there is an extensive bibliography at the end of the book. Aronson describes the events in chronological order. The actual trial records are not in chronological order. By putting the events on a timeline, Aronson makes the information easier for the reader to access. It is interesting to read about the fears of Native Americans the some of the settlers may had have due to previous wars. He discusses the religious aspects and belief system held by the townspeople and how these beliefs could have influenced the hysteria. I only found one problem with the book. Aronson has many parenthetical asides in his work. There were multiple times when I had to reread the statement in order to understand the full meaning. I have always been interested in the Salem witch trials and Aronson opened up some interesting possibilities to think about in regards to the hows and whys of the events.

Reader's Annotation:
Aronson presents multiple theories on the reasons behind the Salem witch trials in chronological order. He debunks some myths and gives fairly comprehensive coverage of this chilling time in our history.

Information about the author:
Marc Aronson has written over ten informational books or biographies for young adults. He feels that teens “are smart, passionate, and capable of engaging with interesting ideas in interesting ways.” Aronson takes complex subject matter, asks a lot of questions about it, and researches it thoroughly. After presenting his evidence, he hopes that young people will seriously think about what they have read, question it and then draw their own conclusions. He has a doctorate in American History. Currently he lives in New Jersey with his wife, another author, and their two children.
http://www.marcaronson.com/

Genre: Information

Curriculum Ties: Social Studies; History

Booktalking Ideas:
• What do you do when you are bored?
• Have you ever done something just for fun, but it turned into something much more serious?
• What do you think really happened to the girls who claimed to under the influence of a witch? Why?
• If the accusers were faking? Why would they do that?
• Based on your personality, would you have been an accuser or an accused? Why?
• Do you think something like this could happen today? Why? Why not?
• Aronson equates the Salem witch hysteria with the aftermath of 9/11. Do you agree with this idea? Why? Why not?

Reading Level/Interest Level:
The widest age range, according to the reviews, is 12 – 18.

Challenge Issues:
Witchcraft; magic; religion

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.

Five positive reviews

Awards/ Best Books Lists:
• Appears on seven Best Books Lists
• Appears on one state/provincial reading list
• Appears on the Notable Social Studied Trade Books for Young People
• 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/~FVtN17:3 accessed through SJSU and not available to everyone.