Myers, Anna. Time of the Witches.

Myers, Anna. Time of the Witches.
Walker & Co 2009 197p 16.99 978-0-8027-9820-6 ms/hs

The story of Drucilla helps readers understand the tension in Salem Village during the time period when witches were called out. Readers will also experience the power of group mania. Drucilla, an orphaned girl, loses her mother at birth. She is raised by Gabe’s mother. In time both children are orphans depending upon themselves for comfort. As they past from home to home they learn skills and grow closer together. It was not easy on them to be separated when their last foster family broke up. Gabe and Drucilla were given to two separate families in town. The people involved were relatives by blood but enemies in action. Unfortunately Drucilla went to the home of Ann Putnam. The Putnams lived across the street from the parish house. As a result the daughter, Ann, and Dru became friends with the minister’s daughter and niece, Abigail, and slave TiTuba. Mistress Putnam was was a vengenful person who was an instigator in starting the calling out of witches. She worked with Reverend Samuel Parris to bring a reign of terror to the small Massachusetts town as innocent folks were declared witches and hanged. The author has written a book that will help young readers to understand that peer pressure and group powers can sway people to a course of action that is not always true to the facts involved. They will also she that Dru, an orphan, wanted to be needed more than anything in the world. In addition the readers will get an insight into a historical event. Historical McNeil, Linda