Annotate Bibliography Historical Fiction

Catherine, Called Birdy (1090L)

Cushman, K. (1994). Catherine, Called Birdy. New York, NY: HarperTrophy.

            Karen Cushman’s novel Catherine, Called Birdy is focused on the main character Catherine. The story concentrates on Catherine’s life and how her father is trying to find her a rich husband. Even though her father is looking for a husband for Catherine, he does not ask her for her opinions on which she should marry. Of course, the richest suitor for Catherine has to be the most ugly. Catherine then has to figure out a way to get out of that marriage, which she does.

            I read this novel when I was in elementary school. I always loved Historical Fiction. Catherine, Called Birdy was one of the first Historical Fiction novels that I have read, and brought my interest.

            The themes in this novel are abuse of power, beauty, coming of age, courage, family, freedom, friendship, greed, heritage, love, loyalty, manipulation, need for change, pride, revenge, and seizing the moment.

The Midwife’s Apprentice (1150L)

Cushman, K. (1996). The Midwife’s Apprentice. New York, NY: HarperTrophy.

            Karen Cushman’s novel The Midwife’s Apprentice is focused on a main character we only know as ‘Brat.’ ‘Brat’ becomes an apprentice to a Midwife. She learns to become a great Midwife and makes a name for her. She had no money before becoming an apprentice and no family. This novel follows her journey through life and who she becomes and how she becomes ‘Alyce.’

            I also read this novel when I was in elementary school. Karen Cushman had become one of my favorite authors from elementary school.

            The themes in this novel are beating the odds, courage, faith, family, fate, fear, friendship, innocence, love, loyalty, mothering, obligation, quest for knowledge, the overlooked, and the road not taken.

Tituba of Salem Village (840L)

Petry, A. (1991). Tituba of Salem Village. New York, NY: HarperCollins.

            Ann Petry’s novel Tituba of Salem Village focuses on Tituba who had been a slave in Salem Village in 1692. Tituba becomes the center of attention when the village people believe that she is a witch and has messed with some of the local girls. The story follows her visions on how she sees herself being accused of witchcraft. The threats of a hanging linger over her.

            I have had an odd obsession with Salem Witch Trials and stories that surround them since I was in elementary school. This novel intrigued me about Tituba and her visions and how she was treated during this time.

            The themes in this novel are abuse of power, beating the odds, corruption, effects of the past, faith, family, fear, freedom, friendship, greed, hate, heritage, innocence, justice, loyalty, manipulation, prejudice, secrecy, and survival.

Witch of Blackbird Pond (850L)

Speare, E. G. (1978). Witch of Blackbird Pond. New York, NY: Laurel Leaf.

            Elizabeth George Speare’s novel The Witch of Blackbird Pond follows an orphan from the Connecticut Colony. Her name is Kit Tyler. She was originally from the Caribbean. When her parents die, she is brought to live with her relatives in Connecticut in a Puritan Colony. Kit becomes friends with an old Quaker woman who is known to be the Witch of Blackbird Pond. When the colonists find out about Kit’s friendship, they begin to believe that she is a witch as well.

            My love of Salem has brought my interest in finding any novels that may have been inspired about the witch trials. I have read most of these in elementary and middle school.

            The themes in this novel are abuse of power, beating the odds, corruption, effects of the past, faith, family, fear, freedom, friendship, greed, hate, heritage, innocence, justice, loyalty, manipulation, prejudice, secrecy, and survival.

Witch-Hunt: Mysteries of the Salem Witchcraft Trials (1180L)

Aronson, M. (2005). Witch-Hunt: Mysteries of the Salem Witchcraft Trials. New York, NY: Athenaeum Books for Young Readers.

            Mark Aronson’s novel Witch-Hunt: Mysteries of the Salem Witch Trials follows the stories of Salem, Massachusetts in the year 1692. This novel is a great resource for research on the Salem Witch Trials and the hysteria that came from that time.

            Salem Witch Trials are my favorite subject to read about; I know so many random facts about it. When I found this I was intrigued.

            The themes in this novel are abuse of power, beating the odds, corruption, effects of the past, faith, family, fear, freedom, friendship, greed, hate, heritage, innocence, justice, loyalty, manipulation, prejudice, secrecy, and survival.