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An Outbreak of Witchcraft: A Graphic Novel of the Salem Witch Trials
A gripping tale of paranoia at its worst, An Outbreak of Witchcraft visually imagines the haunting details of the Salem witch trials in this bewitching narrative nonfiction graphic novel.
From 1692 to 1693, fear reigned in the small village of Salem, Massachusetts. The night Abigail Williams and Betty Paris first accused their servant of witchcraft was only the beginning.
Several more accusations would follow suit, sparking a widespread panic that consumed Salem in one of the longest cases of witch trials in America, where more than twenty innocent lives were lost, and mistrust ran amok.
The community was in ruins, from the afflicted who fanned the flames of superstition to the judges who used their power unjustly and the accused who were falsely charged and hanged in consequence. In the absence of due process and with hysteria abounding, no one in Salem was safe.
Journey into how it all began in this arresting, true-to-life look at how lies became facts, friends turned to foes, and loved ones turned to enemies.
From 1692 to 1693, fear reigned in the small village of Salem, Massachusetts. The night Abigail Williams and Betty Paris first accused their servant of witchcraft was only the beginning.
Several more accusations would follow suit, sparking a widespread panic that consumed Salem in one of the longest cases of witch trials in America, where more than twenty innocent lives were lost, and mistrust ran amok.
The community was in ruins, from the afflicted who fanned the flames of superstition to the judges who used their power unjustly and the accused who were falsely charged and hanged in consequence. In the absence of due process and with hysteria abounding, no one in Salem was safe.
Journey into how it all began in this arresting, true-to-life look at how lies became facts, friends turned to foes, and loved ones turned to enemies.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2024
About the author
Deborah Noyes
23 books74 followersDeb writes for adults and children and is also an editor and photographer. She lives in Massachusetts with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 7, 2024
Lecture en VO
Un très bon livre sur un épisode plutôt sombre de l’histoire américaine les procès de Salem. Ce livre est un roman graphique et s’appuie sur une documentation historique et la réflexion que je me suis faite à travers cette lecture c’est comment des gens ont pu en arriver là comme l’explique Deborah Noyés on assiste à une véritable hystérie collective qui ont emmené à des mises à mort de plusieurs innocents. Et je ne peux m’empêcher de le dire comme l’autrice que la bêtise l’ignorance ont conduit à cette situation et je comprends mieux l’expression française de chasse aux sorcières ce livre peut me semble t-il ouvrir à une discussion plus générale et se poser des questions sur comment la société crée des boucs émissaires pour se dédouaner de toutes ses erreurs.
Si à la maison vous avez des ados qui s’intéressent à l’histoire américaine vous pouvez leur faire lire ce livre qui mélange habilement faits réels et fictions.
Un très bon livre sur un épisode plutôt sombre de l’histoire américaine les procès de Salem. Ce livre est un roman graphique et s’appuie sur une documentation historique et la réflexion que je me suis faite à travers cette lecture c’est comment des gens ont pu en arriver là comme l’explique Deborah Noyés on assiste à une véritable hystérie collective qui ont emmené à des mises à mort de plusieurs innocents. Et je ne peux m’empêcher de le dire comme l’autrice que la bêtise l’ignorance ont conduit à cette situation et je comprends mieux l’expression française de chasse aux sorcières ce livre peut me semble t-il ouvrir à une discussion plus générale et se poser des questions sur comment la société crée des boucs émissaires pour se dédouaner de toutes ses erreurs.
Si à la maison vous avez des ados qui s’intéressent à l’histoire américaine vous pouvez leur faire lire ce livre qui mélange habilement faits réels et fictions.
March 5, 2024
Thank you to the publisher for an early copy of An Outbreak of Witchcraft in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed my informational read of this story. I learned a lot and as an adult would like to know more about this time period which is often romanticized. An Outbreak of Witchcraft will likely need to be read with others in a group or with a teacher/ parent. It is for younger readers but may be difficult for them to understand without context and assistance. All and all I think this book will be great for libraries and will really inform younger people about the horrors that occurred during this time period. We need to do anything we can to inform and educate especially given the current political climate surrounding books. This novel will help add to that information and education.
*5 star rating given because it is a non-fiction novel and shouldn't be rated as less without good reason.
*5 star rating given because it is a non-fiction novel and shouldn't be rated as less without good reason.
September 5, 2024
This is a solid piece of YA nonfiction that uses its graphic novel format to bring it home. I appreciate that it brings in more of the context of the Salem Witch Trials. I do wish however that it did more in regards to the aftermath.
July 8, 2024
(3.5⭐, rounded up)
May 20, 2024
This was a great portrayal of the Salem Witch Trials. As a teacher I am always looking for new ways to teach history and this will be an excellent addition to my classroom library. The art is engaging and while meant for younger readers, I think my high schoolers will still really enjoy it.
4 stars
4 stars
March 26, 2024
*I received a copy of this book digitally for free and am leaving this review voluntarily*
Hello Fellow Readers,
An Outbreak of Witchcraft was such an interesting take on the Salem witch trials, but also horrifying when you remember halfway through that this isn't a fictional tale. The dialogue in some parts may be embellished but these were real people. This was a real event that happened in our history. Noyes must be an amazing researcher because they did an amazing job at recounting incidents. I will admit that history has never been my strong suit and I don't typically search it out but Noyes made me pay attention. Duffy also did a great job bringing life to each character. I could almost feel the hysteria and fear roll off the pages.
Overall, I can't wait to see what else these two have in store.
Hello Fellow Readers,
An Outbreak of Witchcraft was such an interesting take on the Salem witch trials, but also horrifying when you remember halfway through that this isn't a fictional tale. The dialogue in some parts may be embellished but these were real people. This was a real event that happened in our history. Noyes must be an amazing researcher because they did an amazing job at recounting incidents. I will admit that history has never been my strong suit and I don't typically search it out but Noyes made me pay attention. Duffy also did a great job bringing life to each character. I could almost feel the hysteria and fear roll off the pages.
Overall, I can't wait to see what else these two have in store.
July 14, 2024
I got this as a review copy from NetGalley.
This was a graphic novel that read more like a nonfiction book than a cohesive story. I think for kids this is a good way to learn about the Salem Witch Trials because it would be more engaging than reading a textbook about it. The sections are split up by a larger amount of text without pictures that may be hard for some kids to keep their attention completely through it. The few parts of longer text may be better to read aloud or take turns with. I felt like this graphic novel gives enough information that a kid could have a discussion about what happened and I even learned some things that I hadn't heard as an adult before. The characters in the illustrations were clear enough that I could keep separate in my head and the pictures were engaging enough that I found myself interested throughout the whole book.
This was a graphic novel that read more like a nonfiction book than a cohesive story. I think for kids this is a good way to learn about the Salem Witch Trials because it would be more engaging than reading a textbook about it. The sections are split up by a larger amount of text without pictures that may be hard for some kids to keep their attention completely through it. The few parts of longer text may be better to read aloud or take turns with. I felt like this graphic novel gives enough information that a kid could have a discussion about what happened and I even learned some things that I hadn't heard as an adult before. The characters in the illustrations were clear enough that I could keep separate in my head and the pictures were engaging enough that I found myself interested throughout the whole book.
July 3, 2024
This is a great introduction to the Salem Witch Trials. As someone with an understanding of the history already, this was still engaging and I loved the art style. This would work best for audiences without prior knowledge on the subject or those who are interested in a graphic novel format on this topic. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
June 5, 2024
Beautiful artwork. A compelling story. Still disturbed by the number of people who just threw someone under the bus as an act of self-preservation.
August 9, 2024
Ugh a bit too real
March 24, 2024
I received this ARC from Netgalley. This is a great way to help teach about the Salem Witch trials. Being from MA and visiting Salem, I have learned a lot about this subject. This would be much more appealing to those who don't get bored with the more traditional history books, as this is a more immersive reading experience in the graphic novel format.
March 9, 2024
5/5✨Centuries after the Salem Witch Trials we are still as captivated as they were then. How did a town full of neighbors turn so quickly against each other. This is a great way to open to reluctant middle grade readers. I enjoyed the art, and the storytelling. Def adding this to my collection
**I received a copy of this from NetGalley as a ARC for review**
**I received a copy of this from NetGalley as a ARC for review**
May 17, 2024
An Outbreak of Witchcraft by Deborah Noyes offers a gripping and visually arresting journey into the heart of the Salem witch trials. This graphic novel captures the haunting atmosphere and intense paranoia that swept through Salem, Massachusetts, from 1692 to 1693.
The book effectively uses the graphic novel format to bring to life the fear and chaos that defined this dark period in American history. The illustrations are compelling and vividly depict the tension and mistrust that engulfed the community. From the initial accusations by Abigail Williams and Betty Paris to the tragic consequences faced by over twenty innocent victims, the artwork serves as a powerful vehicle for storytelling.
Noyes' narrative is well-researched and stays true to the historical events, providing a factual recounting of how the hysteria spiraled out of control. The book highlights the roles of various community members, from the afflicted who fueled the frenzy to the judges who abused their power, and the wrongly accused who paid with their lives. This multifaceted portrayal helps readers understand the complex social dynamics and the devastating impact of mass paranoia.
In summary, An Outbreak of Witchcraft is a commendable effort to bring a pivotal historical event to a broader audience through the medium of a graphic novel. Its visual storytelling is its strongest asset, effectively conveying the horror and madness of the Salem witch trials. However, the constraints of the format result in a somewhat superficial treatment of the complex subject matter, making it a compelling but somewhat incomplete portrayal of this tragic period. For readers new to the Salem witch trials, this graphic novel serves as an engaging introduction, though those seeking a deeper exploration may need to look elsewhere.
The book effectively uses the graphic novel format to bring to life the fear and chaos that defined this dark period in American history. The illustrations are compelling and vividly depict the tension and mistrust that engulfed the community. From the initial accusations by Abigail Williams and Betty Paris to the tragic consequences faced by over twenty innocent victims, the artwork serves as a powerful vehicle for storytelling.
Noyes' narrative is well-researched and stays true to the historical events, providing a factual recounting of how the hysteria spiraled out of control. The book highlights the roles of various community members, from the afflicted who fueled the frenzy to the judges who abused their power, and the wrongly accused who paid with their lives. This multifaceted portrayal helps readers understand the complex social dynamics and the devastating impact of mass paranoia.
In summary, An Outbreak of Witchcraft is a commendable effort to bring a pivotal historical event to a broader audience through the medium of a graphic novel. Its visual storytelling is its strongest asset, effectively conveying the horror and madness of the Salem witch trials. However, the constraints of the format result in a somewhat superficial treatment of the complex subject matter, making it a compelling but somewhat incomplete portrayal of this tragic period. For readers new to the Salem witch trials, this graphic novel serves as an engaging introduction, though those seeking a deeper exploration may need to look elsewhere.
June 6, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this Graphic Novel. 3.5/5 stars
I've always been interested in the witch trials, but even more so after teaching the Crucible (and I still remember reading it myself in HS). I think this would be a good supplementary text to teaching the Crucible. I also think it is a good graphic novel that goes into the trials, but a lot of the context that is given (which is good context) still doesn't provide enough historical elements to truly understand parts of the story. It does mention all of the fighting that could have increased the tensions, but it doesn't really go in depth as to how it impacted the different people. Also, it just....missed some of the historical elements it needed.
The art was great, and I loved how the hysterics/group mania was depicted in the illustrations.
I've always been interested in the witch trials, but even more so after teaching the Crucible (and I still remember reading it myself in HS). I think this would be a good supplementary text to teaching the Crucible. I also think it is a good graphic novel that goes into the trials, but a lot of the context that is given (which is good context) still doesn't provide enough historical elements to truly understand parts of the story. It does mention all of the fighting that could have increased the tensions, but it doesn't really go in depth as to how it impacted the different people. Also, it just....missed some of the historical elements it needed.
The art was great, and I loved how the hysterics/group mania was depicted in the illustrations.
March 11, 2024
If you're wondering if this book is middle school appropriate I would use it as upper middle school though it can work for lower middle as well. It has some use of damned and while not bloody it doesn't shy away from mentioning or showing torture and hangings.
Before I start my review it is a weird choice to give a very low-res ARC as this is a graphic novel meaning a fair chunk of the reading experience comes from the visuals.
I am always a fan of more nonfiction content for middle schoolers! The Salem Witch Trials is something many kiddos find interesting and Deborah Noyes sets up an excellent telling of the Salem Witch Trials focused on the psychology of all (victims, prosecutors, judges, and the community at large). You really feel for all those that faced the hardships, torture, and suffering from the Trials but it's never scandalized. Everyone is treated as a human first and foremost with no-one villified (the girls have light shed on them rather well while not downplaying the severity of their actions).
I appreciate the focus on the victims as they get torn down by lies into “admitting” they are witches with the pain and isolation they get in return. It's treated seriously and solemnly (but not too much as this is middle YA) and is respectfully done. The writing can be a bit hard to follow though. You have to really focus on the dates and such while reading. With so many jumps between court cases, accusations, and follow ups its hard to follow. It does create that sense of dizzying hysteria well but it also makes it hard to follow individual moments. I also enjoy the author shed light on the girls who started it well and their own struggles in a highly controlled and restrictive environment.
The art is meant to be readable but heavily bends to focus on the mood, feeling, and evocative imagery. It's usually done to good effect (with some paneling choices being gorgeous) though a minute selection of pages end up looking more strikingly artsy than understandable. Additionally, it can be hard to read characters as some can look same-y with the young girls having the most sameness.
Before I start my review it is a weird choice to give a very low-res ARC as this is a graphic novel meaning a fair chunk of the reading experience comes from the visuals.
I am always a fan of more nonfiction content for middle schoolers! The Salem Witch Trials is something many kiddos find interesting and Deborah Noyes sets up an excellent telling of the Salem Witch Trials focused on the psychology of all (victims, prosecutors, judges, and the community at large). You really feel for all those that faced the hardships, torture, and suffering from the Trials but it's never scandalized. Everyone is treated as a human first and foremost with no-one villified (the girls have light shed on them rather well while not downplaying the severity of their actions).
I appreciate the focus on the victims as they get torn down by lies into “admitting” they are witches with the pain and isolation they get in return. It's treated seriously and solemnly (but not too much as this is middle YA) and is respectfully done. The writing can be a bit hard to follow though. You have to really focus on the dates and such while reading. With so many jumps between court cases, accusations, and follow ups its hard to follow. It does create that sense of dizzying hysteria well but it also makes it hard to follow individual moments. I also enjoy the author shed light on the girls who started it well and their own struggles in a highly controlled and restrictive environment.
The art is meant to be readable but heavily bends to focus on the mood, feeling, and evocative imagery. It's usually done to good effect (with some paneling choices being gorgeous) though a minute selection of pages end up looking more strikingly artsy than understandable. Additionally, it can be hard to read characters as some can look same-y with the young girls having the most sameness.
April 13, 2024
Even knowing the history of The Salem Witch Trials, I was still so angry reading this and I think that goes to show how well done this graphic novel is. A good book makes the reader feel some kind of emotion, and being able to pull anger and sadness from me on a topic I already knew most of the history on makes it a good book in my opinion. The information isn't new but the way it's presented gives it something new to add to the history of the topic. The artwork felt right for the time it was portraying and I liked that there were a few pages of just text with more detailed information rather than leaving that out or trying to make it fit in with the artwork of the other pages. The Salem Witch Trials will always be a sad thing to read about but having the art portray the accused and their supporters really pulls at the heartstrings. The fact that so many people were put to death for "witchcraft" based on spectral evidence and claims made by impressionable young girls who had no power in that time period is outrageous and the justifications for it made by the men in charge is awful but not surprising for the time. I also liked that this book is educational but focuses on some of the innocents who were put to death due to mass hysteria, prejudice, and the manipulations of men in power and girls who were manipulated and given power they had never had before by having a say in who lives or dies. I think this graphic novel is a great place to start for young people looking for information on The Salem Witch Trials or for supplemental information on the people who died.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a digital ARC from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers | Little, Brown Ink via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a digital ARC from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers | Little, Brown Ink via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 17, 2024
I was skeptical about what a graphic novel about the Salem Witch Trials would look like, but this pleasantly surprised me in a number of ways! I do think it suffered in some part from the sheer size of its cast of characters, but given the complexity of the situation in Salem in 1692, and the number of people involved, it felt like the author was doing her best with the material she had to condense down and make graphic novel-size. Nearly all of the dialogue was lifted directly from primary sources and minimally doctored so as to be readable to modern audiences, which impressed me a lot. Conjecture about what might really be going on here is kept to a minimum, and left ultimately up to the reader to determine for themselves--such as an imagined exchange between Ann Putnam Jr. and Mary Warren, where Mary alludes to the physical abuse she suffers at the hands of her employer John Proctor...only a few pages before accusing John of witchcraft. The art by M. Duffy cleverly conveys the paranoia, claustrophobia, and sheer terror of an eldritch, invisible world of monsters and the Devil that was part of the Puritains' cosmology. My only other quibble with this book is that the prose sections, which provide additional context that the artwork doesn't have room to convey, only alluded to certain things that I felt would have benefited from more of an exploration; but ultimately, a very well-done nonfiction graphic novel!
May 17, 2024
𝗔𝗡 𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞 𝗢𝗙 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗧 is a chilling exploration of the Salem witch trials, rendered vividly in graphic novel form. Noyes skillfully reconstructs historical events, immersing readers in the terror and paranoia of the era. The realization that these were real people enduring unimaginable horrors adds a sobering layer to the narrative. While history may not be my forte, Noyes's meticulous research and compelling storytelling captivated my attention. Duffy's illustrations breathe life into the characters, evoking the palpable fear and hysteria of the time. As the events unfold, the graphic novel becomes an unsettling reminder of the dangers of unchecked hysteria and injustice. I eagerly anticipate future collaborations from this talented duo.
May 2, 2024
The Salem Witch Trials are undoubtedly one of American history's most intriguing and darkest periods. If you have ever been captivated by this period and want to experience paranoia at its worst, then 'An Outbreak of Witchcraft: A Graphic Novel of the Salem Witch Trials' is a must-read.
Deborah Noyes, the author, and M. Dolly, the illustrator, have done an excellent job capturing the essence of the trials in a graphic novel. The book is a masterpiece that portrays the trials in a way that makes you feel like you're there, witnessing the events firsthand.
The illustrations are gorgeously rendered, and the dialogue is brilliantly written. They make you feel like you're in the chaos, experiencing the trials with the accusers, the accused, and the witnesses.
'An Outbreak of Witchcraft' is a fantastic read for anyone interested in history, particularly the Salem Witch Trials. It's a gripping, real-life story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you want to learn more. Consider gifting it to history buffs or anyone who loves a good dark story.
Thank you, @netgalley @littlebrownyoungreaders, for the complimentary ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Deborah Noyes, the author, and M. Dolly, the illustrator, have done an excellent job capturing the essence of the trials in a graphic novel. The book is a masterpiece that portrays the trials in a way that makes you feel like you're there, witnessing the events firsthand.
The illustrations are gorgeously rendered, and the dialogue is brilliantly written. They make you feel like you're in the chaos, experiencing the trials with the accusers, the accused, and the witnesses.
'An Outbreak of Witchcraft' is a fantastic read for anyone interested in history, particularly the Salem Witch Trials. It's a gripping, real-life story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you want to learn more. Consider gifting it to history buffs or anyone who loves a good dark story.
Thank you, @netgalley @littlebrownyoungreaders, for the complimentary ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 28, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book before publication.
Telling part of the story of the Salem Witch Trials in the form of a graphic novel was genius. It’s easy to disassociate while reading and attempt to stay away from the trials characters are put through. With a graphic novel, however, the images are there in front of you, so it’s close to impossible to separate yourself from the story. Add in that this really happened in the United States and this book becomes a devastating reminder of the cruelty and indifference humanity is capable of, especially against neighbors and family.
I went into this book already knowing what the Salem Witch Trials were, but I had not had a visual accounting of it. I appreciate the author using what they knew of the characters in their research to help tell their stories. I felt invested in the complicated and complex relationships of the townspeople and the total lack of checks and balances during Puritan rule.
Telling part of the story of the Salem Witch Trials in the form of a graphic novel was genius. It’s easy to disassociate while reading and attempt to stay away from the trials characters are put through. With a graphic novel, however, the images are there in front of you, so it’s close to impossible to separate yourself from the story. Add in that this really happened in the United States and this book becomes a devastating reminder of the cruelty and indifference humanity is capable of, especially against neighbors and family.
I went into this book already knowing what the Salem Witch Trials were, but I had not had a visual accounting of it. I appreciate the author using what they knew of the characters in their research to help tell their stories. I felt invested in the complicated and complex relationships of the townspeople and the total lack of checks and balances during Puritan rule.
June 6, 2024
I thought I knew everything he needed to know about the witchcraft trials that took place in Salem in 1692.
I couldn't have been further from the truth.
An outbreak of witchcraft, written by Deborah Noyes and illustrated by Melissa Duffy, is a graphic novel about this tragic page in colonial American history. The drawing style employed is a cross between American comics and more classical European drawing. Written by Deborah Noyes, the book takes a look back over the centuries at how this collective hysteria, which cost the lives of over 20 people, was unleashed.
In the highly puritanical colonies, the Devil is everywhere: in women, children, people of race, you name it. It's an arid, church-run universe, plagued by conflicts with the First Nations, a history far removed from our own.
Thanks to Deborah and Melissa for telling this story with such veracity, sensitivity and, above all, extraordinary historical awareness.
If you want to know more about the Salem trials, I highly recommend this book, which (almost) reads itself.
I couldn't have been further from the truth.
An outbreak of witchcraft, written by Deborah Noyes and illustrated by Melissa Duffy, is a graphic novel about this tragic page in colonial American history. The drawing style employed is a cross between American comics and more classical European drawing. Written by Deborah Noyes, the book takes a look back over the centuries at how this collective hysteria, which cost the lives of over 20 people, was unleashed.
In the highly puritanical colonies, the Devil is everywhere: in women, children, people of race, you name it. It's an arid, church-run universe, plagued by conflicts with the First Nations, a history far removed from our own.
Thanks to Deborah and Melissa for telling this story with such veracity, sensitivity and, above all, extraordinary historical awareness.
If you want to know more about the Salem trials, I highly recommend this book, which (almost) reads itself.
August 19, 2024
A graphic novel summarizing how the Salem witch-hunt hysteria started, unfolded, and ended. Chapters are divided with short (2-6 page) sections of text discussing background and context. It gives a good picture of the main accusers, several of the accused, and some of the prosecutors and men in power, including the skeptics and the complicit.
Some parts are a bit text-heavy, but it is an interesting read from a historical perspective, and rage-inducing at several points ("Why that little mean-girl *expletive*...!"). I found it especially interesting to see how/why the trials finally ended, something that you generally don't hear about as much. Lots of food for discussion here, and relevance in light of various modern-day moral hypes/hysterias.
Content concerns: religious extremism, some domestic violence (not on-screen, but mention of children/servants being whipped), slavery, unjust imprisonment/executions (hangings and one pressing, not graphically shown), bullying/peer pressure; no swearing, no nudity/sexuality, no drugs, no drunkenness
Some parts are a bit text-heavy, but it is an interesting read from a historical perspective, and rage-inducing at several points ("Why that little mean-girl *expletive*...!"). I found it especially interesting to see how/why the trials finally ended, something that you generally don't hear about as much. Lots of food for discussion here, and relevance in light of various modern-day moral hypes/hysterias.
Content concerns: religious extremism, some domestic violence (not on-screen, but mention of children/servants being whipped), slavery, unjust imprisonment/executions (hangings and one pressing, not graphically shown), bullying/peer pressure; no swearing, no nudity/sexuality, no drugs, no drunkenness
April 2, 2024
Thank you NetGalley And Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for this eARC.
I really loved the opening little chapter that gives some background and history of the witch trials. I was REALLY excited for this graphic novel, however due to formatting issues (on both the Kindle and phone/ Netgalley app) I could not read it. On the Kindle the pages were turned horizontally and were cut in half with some of the page missing entirely, the words were also way too blurry to read. On the phone/ NetGalley app I was able to read the first 11 pages just fine. But after page 11 the words are way too blurry to be able to read it. So I'm not able to give a review of this unfortunately. I would love to read this graphic novel eventually, I like the concept and the art.
I gave this two stars because I am interested in this graphic novel, I enjoyed the art style and what I did manage to read was good. However the formatting issues just made it next to impossible to read.
I really loved the opening little chapter that gives some background and history of the witch trials. I was REALLY excited for this graphic novel, however due to formatting issues (on both the Kindle and phone/ Netgalley app) I could not read it. On the Kindle the pages were turned horizontally and were cut in half with some of the page missing entirely, the words were also way too blurry to read. On the phone/ NetGalley app I was able to read the first 11 pages just fine. But after page 11 the words are way too blurry to be able to read it. So I'm not able to give a review of this unfortunately. I would love to read this graphic novel eventually, I like the concept and the art.
I gave this two stars because I am interested in this graphic novel, I enjoyed the art style and what I did manage to read was good. However the formatting issues just made it next to impossible to read.
March 5, 2024
What a beautifully illustrated and powerfully written graphic novel! Learning about history is one of the most powerful tools we can provide to children, even if it is a dark and uncomfortable moment from the past. Introducing children to the era where innocent people were accused of witchcraft and hung for a crime they did not commit is a difficult undertaking. This graphic novel is the perfect introduction to the Salem witch trials. While there are some disturbing images and concepts, the content is handled in an relatable yet poignant manner. We have had the privilege to take our children to visit the historic sites in Salem and I happily shared this beautiful book with them and would recommend this book to any middle grade reader, young adult, or even adult to appreciate this important era in US history.
August 21, 2024
An ambitious attempt that is held back by mediocre art. This history is very complex with many moving pieces and people but the art struggles to differentiate characters and leads to more panels with exposition than action. It's very ambitious to try a graphic novel history of this time at all, much less for teens when none even exists for adults, but this just doesn't hit home emotionally and the end result makes a really fascinating chapter of history kinda boring.
Also I don't know why M. Duffy thinks every woman, even teen girls, has tons of bags and lines around their eyes. It gives the impression that every woman is dowdy and old. It just does not work and makes it harder to keep individuals straight. This book may have worked better with a different artist that could differentiate individuals instead of making them all look geriatric.
Also I don't know why M. Duffy thinks every woman, even teen girls, has tons of bags and lines around their eyes. It gives the impression that every woman is dowdy and old. It just does not work and makes it harder to keep individuals straight. This book may have worked better with a different artist that could differentiate individuals instead of making them all look geriatric.
September 8, 2024
Narrative nonfiction in graphic novel format. The Salem Witch Trials are an eternally fascinating piece of American history, and I've read countless books that address it in some way. What Noyes brings to the table is immersing the reader in the hopeless paranoia of the times. Noyes also tries to use a lot of the actual words, which is most striking in the case of Ann Putnam's belated apology. The graphic novel segments are broken up by 2-4 pages of text that can give deeper context, like briefly covering the many theories that try to absolve the afflicted girls of any responsibility. Aside from the text pages, the graphic novel is entirely set during the time period, which gives those sections increased urgency. Like I said, this is always a popular subject, and this graphic novel treatment will probably get a lot of readers.
September 17, 2024
It's been awhile since I've read something about the Salem Witch Trials. So much so, that I had had a hard time remembering what I could from high school and reading The Crucible.
The art flows from scene to scene, and does a great job at making the people in the story look real. The story can feel a little word heavy at times, but it's hard not to try and pack in words when the author is trying to keep to the language used at the time and not modernize it too much.
I loved that the author shared where the got their sources in the end and thanked people for helping them. It makes it a lot easier to see where the author got their inspiration from and to learn more on my own.
A fun (is that the right word for a book about innocent people getting hanged for laws that were deemed illegal?) read.
The art flows from scene to scene, and does a great job at making the people in the story look real. The story can feel a little word heavy at times, but it's hard not to try and pack in words when the author is trying to keep to the language used at the time and not modernize it too much.
I loved that the author shared where the got their sources in the end and thanked people for helping them. It makes it a lot easier to see where the author got their inspiration from and to learn more on my own.
A fun (is that the right word for a book about innocent people getting hanged for laws that were deemed illegal?) read.
April 11, 2024
I received this DRC from NetGalley.
I'll just start by saying that the quality of the review copy wasn't great, making some of it difficult to read.
This was OK. I didn't love the art. Some of the illustrated pages were too wordy, which made them tedious and boring. Other scenes were depicted really well. Overall, I thought the flow of the story could have been better. I know the author wanted to touch on all the different people involved, but that just made it so you couldn't get invested in any of them. It was a good premise, and maybe this would be easier for children to get through than a textbook. But as a comicbook, I think it fell short. I don't think it conveyed the full weight of the emotions, whether that be panic, hysterics, despair, or otherwise. 2.5 stars.
I'll just start by saying that the quality of the review copy wasn't great, making some of it difficult to read.
This was OK. I didn't love the art. Some of the illustrated pages were too wordy, which made them tedious and boring. Other scenes were depicted really well. Overall, I thought the flow of the story could have been better. I know the author wanted to touch on all the different people involved, but that just made it so you couldn't get invested in any of them. It was a good premise, and maybe this would be easier for children to get through than a textbook. But as a comicbook, I think it fell short. I don't think it conveyed the full weight of the emotions, whether that be panic, hysterics, despair, or otherwise. 2.5 stars.
April 24, 2024
Woo hoo! This is a super YA nonfiction book for classroom use. It’s a blend of graphic novel and prose which will be accessible to all readers. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the Salem Witch Trials as a graphic novel but I love this! The art adds so much emotion, immediacy, and fear to the story. it’s clear that parts of the text are directly drawn from the trial (or used with little adaptation), while other people are brought more to life m this format (young Dorothy and Tituba). This is sure to be a thought provoking and much discussed read in ELA or US social studies classes. I can’t wait to get my hands on a hard copy, I’ll definitely be building an academic unit around this one, I’ve always liked Noyes work, we need more like this!
June 20, 2024
This graphic novel did a decent job of portraying the hysteria and chaos of this historical event and how different people reacted, from the afflicted girls, to the innocents accused, to the powerful men in the community who may have used the situation to their benefit. It also addresses the very real tragedy of lives lost and the darkness of the times. The only criticism I have is that there are so many characters that it's sometimes hard to keep track of who is who (thankfully, there is a key in the front cover to help with that). This book is most likely to appeal to our middle school honor students or history buffs than to the average student. But I will wholeheartedly recommend this one to those students.
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