The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare is lauded for its compelling narrative and historical accuracy, capturing the complexities of 17th-century Puritan New England. Praised for rich character development, especially of protagonist Kit, it also faces criticism for its sometimes slow pacing. Overall, it’s heralded as an insightful and engaging read for younger audiences.

A reader who would enjoy The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare is likely a fan of historical fiction, particularly with strong, independent young female protagonists. Comparable to readers of Little House on the Prairie and Anne of Green Gables, they appreciate immersive settings, personal growth, and themes of societal conflict and acceptance.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond follows sixteen-year-old Kit Tyler as she transitions from a luxurious life in Barbados to the austere Puritan community of Wethersfield, Connecticut, in 1687. Kit's vibrant personality and unconventional ways clash with her stern uncle and the local authorities. Her friendship with a reclusive Quaker woman, Hannah Tupper, and her struggles against intolerance reveal themes of belonging, individualism, and the dangers of societal prejudice.

Mysterious / Nostalgic / Suspenseful / Romantic

- The Witch of Blackbird Pond won the 1959 Newbery Medal, an award given annually to the most distinguished American children's book published in the previous year.
- The author, Elizabeth George Speare, was inspired to write the novel after visiting the historic town of Wethersfield, Connecticut, which serves as the book's setting.
- Speare, known for her meticulous historical research, captures the Puritanical atmosphere of late 17th-century New England life with great accuracy.

**Kit Tyler**  
Katherine “Kit” Tyler, a 16-year-old with an independent spirit, struggles to adjust from the liberal atmosphere of Barbados to her straitlaced Puritan family in New England.

**Nat Eaton**  
Nat Eaton, a 19-year-old first mate on the Dolphin and the son of a ship captain, is open-minded due to his travels and has an interest in Kit.

**Hannah Tupper**  
Hannah Tupper is an elderly Quaker widow living on the outskirts of Wethersfield, offering refuge and companionship to those like Kit and Nat.

**Matthew Wood**  
Matthew Wood is Kit’s stern Puritan uncle in Wethersfield, who initially finds Kit’s presence disruptive but eventually comes to appreciate her.

**Rachel Wood**  
Rachel Wood, Kit's kindly aunt and the sister of Kit's deceased mother, helps Kit adapt to colonial life and shows courage in difficult times.

**Mercy Wood**  
Mercy Wood, the gentle elder daughter of Matthew and Rachel, possesses a resilient spirit despite her physical limitations and aids Kit in learning new skills.

**Judith Wood**  
Judith Wood, Mercy’s younger sister, is pretty but demanding; she focuses on material comforts and securing a prosperous union.

**William Ashby**  
William Ashby is a wealthy and socially conscious young man who initially courts Kit and is noted for his dreams of building a grand house.

**John Holbrook**  
John Holbrook is a divinity student who becomes friends with Kit during her journey to Wethersfield, often surprised by her unconventional actions.

**Prudence Cruff**  
Prudence Cruff is a timid and undernourished young girl who befriends Kit and learns to read and write under her guidance.

**Goodwife Cruff**  
Goodwife Cruff, a superstitious and harsh Puritan housewife, harbors suspicions against Kit and becomes a vocal accuser in her community.

Elizabeth George Speare

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Witch Of Blackbird Pond reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Witch Of Blackbird Pond | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Witch Of Blackbird Pond and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Witch Of Blackbird Pond Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

The Witch Of Blackbird Pond Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-12

The Witch Of Blackbird Pond Chapters 7-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-17

The Witch Of Blackbird Pond Chapters 13-17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-21

The Witch Of Blackbird Pond Chapters 18-21 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Witch Of Blackbird Pond Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Witch Of Blackbird Pond Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Witch Of Blackbird Pond Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Witch Of Blackbird Pond Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Witch Of Blackbird Pond Essay Topics

Introduction

The Witch Of Blackbird Pond Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

The Witch Of Blackbird Pond Before Reading

During Reading

The Witch Of Blackbird Pond During Reading

After Reading

The Witch Of Blackbird Pond After Reading

The Witch Of Blackbird Pond

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Witch Of Blackbird Pond?

Reading Age

Book Details