What is the true story of the accused witches of Salem, Massachusetts? How were they drawn into the frenzy, and why did so many people die before it was stopped? In this short book, Schanzer addresses these questions and others as she tries to unravel what really happened in 1692. Readers are immediately introduced to a few of the witches and their accusers, complete with portraits. Once the players are set, the reader learns just how miserable it was in the Massachusetts colony that freezing cold winter before the accusations began. Once the accusations start, no one is safe, and it eventually comes to be that if you confess to being a witch and accuse others, you are treated better and housed in a nicer part of the jail. After Giles Corey is put to death in a torturous way, public opinion begins to turn against the trials. The dark cover art and dramatic illustrations of demons and tribunals lend an air of foreboding to the book, as Schanzer attempts to make sense of the tragedies that occurred during this time. She offers several theories as to why the accusations were made and why the accused acted in the sometimes bizarre way that they did. In the chapter "What Happened Next," she explores the aftereffects of the trials on the officials, the accusers, and the innocent. While the writing is a bit formal for casual reading, students will be drawn to the topic and the small size of the book. Reviewer: Lynn Evarts

For the smart, stunning Witches!: The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem, Schanzer chose a subject that is well suited to her talents as a writer and illustrator: the mass hysteria that erupted in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692 and 1693, and led to more than 150 arrests and 20 executions. Schanzer's appealing storyteller's style will draw readers into this strangest of episodes in American history and keep them riveted. She deftly manages a large cast of characters and structures her narrative just as she should: straightforwardly and chronologically, leaving readers to draw their own conclusions or make broader comparisons. "The root of all this horror and pandemonium lies buried in a dark and misty past," Schanzer writes. Her black and white scratchboard illustrations—highlighted with startling touches of red—evoke that past and the spirit of the tale. Their stylized sophistication recalls the wood engravings of Fritz Eichenberg, yet one also sees playful touches that mark this as Schanzer's work. I love the enormous demonic beast lurking beneath the Atlantic's waves; the decorated initials that begin each chapter; the imaginative use of patterns. Witches! will appeal to readers seeking an accurate, entertaining account of the Salem witch trials. This fine book will also attract students who have read The Crucible and want the complete story behind the play. Reviewer: Catherine Reef

Gr 5 Up—How could a court of law order the deaths of more than 20 innocent people? The 17th-century Salem witch trials are recounted in Rosalyn Schanzer's book (National Geographic, 2011) that perfectly captures the chilling events. When two young girls—Betty Parris, 9, and her cousin, 11-year-old Abigail, began contorting into strange postures, throwing things, and shrieking that they were being pinched, the people of Salem, MA, accused them of witchcraft, a crime punishable by death by hanging. As the trials continued, the accusers grew in number and their testimony became more and more powerful. Schanzer's account of these events relies heavily on the facts. She includes court testimonies and straightforward summations by the major players. Jessica Almasy's fast-paced narration is energetic, precise, and emotive. When reading court records, she alters her voice so listeners always know who is speaking. Be sure to have the award-winning book available so listeners can peruse Schanzer's evocative black-and-white ink prints with red accents.–Allison Bruce, The Children's Storefront, NY

Gr 7–9—Schanzer succinctly re-creates the hysteria, confusion, and tragedy of the Salem Witch Trials in this compact and evocative overview. In a conversational tone, she poignantly describes the religious fervor of the Puritans and the ease with which neighbors and family members accused one another (and even domestic animals) of witchcraft. From the "testimony" of witnesses, to the courtroom proceedings, and to the eventual realization that the accusations and trials were nearing epic in proportion, the author effortlessly guides readers through this bizarre moment in American history. Several theories regarding the causes for the witchcraft hysteria and the "fits" experienced by many of the accused are addressed, but no definite answers are promoted or advocated. Primary-source material consisting of courtroom testimony is woven throughout the narrative; spelling is modernized, and occasional passages are abridged for better understanding. The "What Happened Next" final chapter details the often-tragic ends for the unjustly accused; information on the accusers and the officials is also included. Schanzer's top-notch stylized black-and-white illustrations highlighted with small touches of red extend and enhance the text.—Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA