Tells the story of the victims, the accused witches, the politicians, the judges, and officials of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Two children have fits, mutter strange gibberish and experience frightful contortions of their backs, necks, and arms. The fits do not respond to anything so locals begin to be accused of being witches. When the accused insist they are innocent, they are put in jail. Families would provide food and other necessities. Some accused asked to be sold as indentured servants in order to pay their bill. The number of accused grew and grew. One minister was brought a great distance to be tried and hung. Ultimately, many were convicted and hung. The rest of the accused were left in poverty. Schanzer enhances the story with actual courtroom testimony. She also describes several possible theories of causes. “What Happened Next” concludes the story of the primary players.
2012 Notable Children's Books
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