It is hard to believe that the United States is celebrating 250 years this week! We have been sharing a bunch of different books for different ages that are perfect for celebrating and learning more about the United States. Topics include Independence Day, individual states, historical figures and events and so much more! Today we are sharing a second book from the Who HQ Graphic Novel series. (You can read about the first one here.) Today is our final book in this collection but we are sure there will be many more books about the United States over time! The book today is Who Was Accused in the Salem Witch Trials? Tituba by Insha Fitzpatrick and illustrated by Rowan MacColl. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12 and is a graphic novel.
About the Book:
Discover the Salem witch trials through the eyes of Tituba, one of the first women to be accused of witchcraft, in this gripping graphic novel written by Oh My Gods! author Insha Fitzpatrick and illustrated by Nightmare in Savannah artist Rowan MacColl.Presenting Who HQ Graphic Novels: an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times best-selling Who Was? series!
Follow the terrifying events of the 1692 Salem witch trials from the perspective of Tituba, an enslaved woman who was accused of bewitching two girls, Elizabeth Parris and Abigail Williams, during this harrowing, historic period. A story of speculation, mass hysteria, and survival, this graphic novel invites readers to immerse themselves into this haunting moment in American history—brought to life by gripping narrative and vivid full-color illustrations that jump off the page.
From Me:
Now the Salem Witch Trials happened in Colonial Times well before the United States was even a thought of a country. So, you may be thinking it is a weird topic to include in books for the big celebration. However, Massachusetts Bay was one of the first colonies and Salem happens to be close to where we live, so we have been fascinated with the history. In fact, we have shared many different resources about the Salem Witch Trials.
In this book, there is a bit of the happenings before the accusations and then how it spiraled into a witch accusation. Tituba denied all of it until Reverend Parris told her, if she confessed her life would be saved. The book shares how she took care of most of the household duties including caring for the children. It shares how many of the children around the town liked to come hear Tituba's stories from her life before she became a slave. It also shares how the girls get sick, and the doctors cannot find anything wrong with them. The family including Tituba and her husband are very worried about the girls. One of the neighbor's brings Tituba a recipe of witch cake and she makes it in hopes that it will help the girls. However Reverend Parris becomes very upset and starts making accusations about Tituba. The girls continue them. The book shares the timeline of Tituba and the Witch Trials. Throughout the book there are pages that expand on topics like what a witch cake is, and how to spot a witch.
This book is a fun way to share the history of the Salem Witch Trials with middle grade readers. It is an easy read so even reluctant readers will find it enjoyable. The illustrations and graphic novel method create it more like a play and I know many kids enjoy this kind of book. I love that this one teaches history. It is perfect for a United States history themed book for summer reading or in a unit about Colonial Times, witch trials or Salem. I can see it being a favorite in middle grade classrooms for independent reading as well. The Who HQ Graphic Novel Series has 19 books in it. Some of the other Americans you can read about are Nellie Bly, Louis Armstrong, Bruce Lee, Muhammud Ali, Michael Jordan, Rosa Parks, Neil Armstrong, and Amelia Earhart as well as learn about the Hindenburg Disaster, the California Gold Rush, the Titanic, and the Battle of Gettysburg with this series! Which are you most interested in?
