A review by dafyddclover
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I wanted to read this with my 9 year old as part of our study of colonial america because it is such a well beloved classic. It was a decent read aloud, but honestly I think it is loved mostly out of nostalgia. The casual racism is a problem, as is the fact that the central romance is basically "he only teases you because he likes you!" And while it gave some details about the era, it seems to count on the reader to already know quite a lot. I like the message of accepting difference but there's way better historical fiction out there.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings