Kid Review – It Happened in Salem – picture book

Winter, Jonah. It Happened in Salem. Illustrated by Brad Holland. Mankato, MN: The Creative Company, 2024.

Guide to categories: Kid Review – review of books for elementary-aged and younger children

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Summary

“It could happen anywhere, at any time.” The chillingly familiar history of the infamous Salem witch trials is here brought into modern context, showing how bias and blame have worked in tandem throughout history, to disastrous effect. As the townspeople become increasingly fueled by suspicion, the accused become the accusers, naming names to save themselves. Could something like this still occur today? Of course. But it’s up to all of us to stop it.

Purchase It Happened in Salem on Amazon – https://amzn.to/3DNO4xL

My Kid Review

The Salem Witch Trials were a sad time in our nation’s history. Jonah Winter explores these witch hunts and how they started. Written in narrative verse, Winter discusses the possible motive behind the actions of the young girls who made witch accusations. He also looks at how the allegations spread. 

Brad Holland’s illustrations depict the events of the time of the story, which may be disturbing to some. Some of the illustrations show hangings and other punishments given to the supposed witches. 

While this is a picture book, the book’s topic is not appropriate for the typical picture book audience of young children. I recommend that It Happened in Salem be used only in a classroom or homeschool situation, not as a book for children to read independently. It contains educational information on the Salem Witch Hunts as well as lessons on what can happen when the truth is not told. 

Because it looks at an important part of American history, I think It Happened In Salem is appropriate for inclusion in a K-12 Christian School library. However, I do believe that librarians should be careful of the placement of this title so that it doesn’t get into the hands of young children. 

I received a complimentary copy of It Happened in Salem. This is my honest review.

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