History Smashers: Salem Witch Trials

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Author(s)

Kate Messner

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Falynn Koch

Publisher

Random House Books for Young Readers

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

August 13, 2024

ISBN

978-0593705278

Buy This Book

Myths! Lies! Secrets! Uncover the hidden truth about the Salem Witch Trials in the hit History Smashers nonfiction series. Perfect for fans of the I Survived books and Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales.

In 1692, a few paranoid Puritans accused their neighbors of being witches sending the town flying off the (broomstick) handle. Before it was all over, dozens of women in Salem, Massachusetts were executed—burned at the stake. RIGHT?

WRONG! There was some serious witch worry, but no one in the United States was put on a pyre (though the truth isn't much better). And women weren’t the only ones caught in crossfire…maybe don’t read this one aloud to your dog.

What really happened? The truth is historians aren’t totally sure. But it is certain that religious beliefs, a changing world, and a few super nosy neighbors collided to spell disaster for one New England town. No joke!

From award-winning author Kate Messner comes the acclaimed nonfiction series that demolishes everything you thought you knew about history. And bust more puzzles of the past in History Smashers: Christopher Columbus and the Taino People, The Mayflower, and The Underground Railroad among others!

Editor review

1 review

Unmasking Myths and Sparking Curiosity in History

November 23, 2024

Overall rating

4.3

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

4.0

Learning Value

5.0

History Smashers Salem Witch Trials tells the true story of what happened during the Salem Witch Trials. The Puritans in 1962 were accusing their neighbors of being witches and supposedly they burned several women at the stake. This wasn’t entirely accurate though, while there were many concerns regarding witches no one was burned at the stake. Historians aren’t exactly sure what happened but this book shows you some of what has been discovered up until now.

What I Liked: I am not a big fan of history but this book intrigued me since it's on a subject that I find fascinating. I enjoyed the methods that were used to tell this story as this book incorporates comics, letters, quotes, and images along with the writing to paint the picture for you.

I appreciate that the author included pieces that state in other words anytime there was a historic document being quoted so that a younger audience would be able to understand. Some of the in other words segments also were humorous and brought light to some heavy situations.

The closing of this book has a section where there are additional books, websites, museums, and historical sites that you can look into if you want more information regarding the Salem Witch Trials. This book also includes a few sections of two other books from the History Smashers series so you can see if you want to learn more about those topics.

Final Verdict: HIstory Smashers Salem Witch Trials is a great way to introduce children ages 8 and up to the Salem Witch Trials and provide them with more context to something that may have been introduced in their history courses. This book will spark curiosity regarding other historic events so thank goodness there are more just like it.