How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather is a YA fiction novel about a girl who is a descendant of someone who played a major role in the Salem Witch Trials. When she has to move to Salem herself, sinister things seem to keep happening around her. Is this all because of her last name?
Sex: None. The main character kisses two different guys, one of which is a ghost.
Violence/Gore/Death/Frightening Scenes: The hanging of witches is described in great detail. There are several deaths, all described graphically. The main character is bullied in school. There are many scary, suspenseful scenes, but it's what you would expect from a YA novel about witches.
Language: Mild. Maybe ten curse words.
Alcohol/Drug Abuse: There is underage drinking at a party. The main character comments a couple of times on how much wine her stepmother has been drinking.
Final Note: This is a story that revolves around witches. The characters practice witchcraft and their spells are described in great detail. There are also ghosts and spirits. But, all of this you can gather from reading the title and the book flap. The author is actually a Salem descendant. Overall, the story was interesting and suspenseful. I could see this presented alongside Arthur Miller's "The Crucible."
Ok, now I have to read it. Sounds intriguing.
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ReplyDeleteOkay. My comment didn't publish the first time. I really like your review. I appreciate you including the parent/teacher concerns about relationships, drinking, violence, and ghost. I do think that this book would be great with social studies; like you mentioning The Cruicible. I did not know that the present time characters practice witchcraft in the book. Thank you for including that in your review. I am going to read this book now since this was my Rapid Reader Request book. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I tried to mention anything I thought parents might be concerned about! But it was an interesting story! I enjoyed the book!
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