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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
26 people are currently reading
771 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Noyes
31 books76 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 161 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.
February 7, 2025
While I do love the historical accuracy and the illustrations here, I do think the reliance on the linguistics of that time might prove confusing for younger readers, who might have a hard time understanding the story. As a librarian, I definitely would not recommend it for anyone under sixth grade.
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.
January 28, 2025
An Outbreak of Witchcraft is something of a mixed bag for me. Mostly leaning positive, but I had some issues with it.
To start with what I liked. The art style was really enjoyable, and laid things out really well. I especially liked that the book opens with several pages of portraits of the figures that are the primary focus here with their names and descriptions so you can keep track of who's who in something where so many figures played an important role. I think the prose introduction to each section of the book before delving into telling the story in the comics format works well and helps add to the context. I liked how it showed that even within the context of its own time, the events that transpired were not considered acceptable in a broader context, giving us a glimpse at the dissenters as well as the ways that the legal system at the time would not (and eventually did not) condone how the courts in Salem were operating, essentially denying a fair trial to many who were executed. I liked that it provides some broader context for how colonial rule worked and impacted the witch trials, as well as other "witch" cases in the colonies. I also like how it shapes it into a linear narrative.
Now, the back of the book says the book is narrative nonfiction, but inside the book on the copyright page it says that it is historical fiction. I really take issue with this, especially in a YA book where readers aren't necessarily going to interrogate what that means. To me this very clearly seems like nonfiction that edits some parts for brevity and adds imagined conversations in other parts to make it easier to connect with figures who otherwise don't have many recorded moments from the time. This is common in YA and children's nonfiction to make it more accessible for younger readers, and there are ways of saying this without being weird by having the back and interior contradict each other and make the entire thing unclear.
As for things about the book itself that I took issue with. I think the way Indigenous people are represented is definitely off. We don't actually spend that much time with John Indian or Tituba, both of whom were Indigenous, and when we do the focus is on their deception to stay alive, without delving into what that means too much. When Indigenous people are talked about, it's only in terms of raids against white colonists, many of whom are in this community and suffered from the trauma of surviving these events. I don't think it's entirely responsible to portray this without addressing the harm colonialism was doing to Indigenous people at the time and the complex realities that led to these raids, especially in a book that's intended for younger readers who may not know to interrogate this. I also think that tribal identities are always relevant when discussing Indigenous people, and only Tituba's background is mentioned. John Indian's background is not known, but this is not mentioned. It also does not mention the backgrounds of any raiders. Now to be clear, I'm not suggesting that simply saying that these things happened is a problem, I just feel like a few additional notes throughout the book could have improved clarity for younger readers using this as an educational source and preventing them from taking a prejudiced view that is often too common. Beyond any of these issues, I also wish that the book had taken the time to discuss more of the signs of witches, what witchcraft looked like, etc to Puritans, which doesn't really get enough ink considering how relevant it is to what the accusers had to say. I also wish that international witch trials had warranted a paragraph or two, particularly considering that the witch trials in Sweden are mentioned on multiple occasions, but this is never expanded upon, and this wouldn't be common knowledge to an English-speaking audience. I also would have liked to see more on the aftermath, or even on the cultural impact the trials have had. I feel like an additional couple dozen pages could have given the book a little more time to expand upon these under-explored aspects.
Overall, I think this book has a lot going for it, and it makes for decently educational reading, but I think it has enough problems that I would hesitate to recommend it to someone who had no knowledge going in. I think it's still worth the read for anyone who can engage with this work critically.
To start with what I liked. The art style was really enjoyable, and laid things out really well. I especially liked that the book opens with several pages of portraits of the figures that are the primary focus here with their names and descriptions so you can keep track of who's who in something where so many figures played an important role. I think the prose introduction to each section of the book before delving into telling the story in the comics format works well and helps add to the context. I liked how it showed that even within the context of its own time, the events that transpired were not considered acceptable in a broader context, giving us a glimpse at the dissenters as well as the ways that the legal system at the time would not (and eventually did not) condone how the courts in Salem were operating, essentially denying a fair trial to many who were executed. I liked that it provides some broader context for how colonial rule worked and impacted the witch trials, as well as other "witch" cases in the colonies. I also like how it shapes it into a linear narrative.
Now, the back of the book says the book is narrative nonfiction, but inside the book on the copyright page it says that it is historical fiction. I really take issue with this, especially in a YA book where readers aren't necessarily going to interrogate what that means. To me this very clearly seems like nonfiction that edits some parts for brevity and adds imagined conversations in other parts to make it easier to connect with figures who otherwise don't have many recorded moments from the time. This is common in YA and children's nonfiction to make it more accessible for younger readers, and there are ways of saying this without being weird by having the back and interior contradict each other and make the entire thing unclear.
As for things about the book itself that I took issue with. I think the way Indigenous people are represented is definitely off. We don't actually spend that much time with John Indian or Tituba, both of whom were Indigenous, and when we do the focus is on their deception to stay alive, without delving into what that means too much. When Indigenous people are talked about, it's only in terms of raids against white colonists, many of whom are in this community and suffered from the trauma of surviving these events. I don't think it's entirely responsible to portray this without addressing the harm colonialism was doing to Indigenous people at the time and the complex realities that led to these raids, especially in a book that's intended for younger readers who may not know to interrogate this. I also think that tribal identities are always relevant when discussing Indigenous people, and only Tituba's background is mentioned. John Indian's background is not known, but this is not mentioned. It also does not mention the backgrounds of any raiders. Now to be clear, I'm not suggesting that simply saying that these things happened is a problem, I just feel like a few additional notes throughout the book could have improved clarity for younger readers using this as an educational source and preventing them from taking a prejudiced view that is often too common. Beyond any of these issues, I also wish that the book had taken the time to discuss more of the signs of witches, what witchcraft looked like, etc to Puritans, which doesn't really get enough ink considering how relevant it is to what the accusers had to say. I also wish that international witch trials had warranted a paragraph or two, particularly considering that the witch trials in Sweden are mentioned on multiple occasions, but this is never expanded upon, and this wouldn't be common knowledge to an English-speaking audience. I also would have liked to see more on the aftermath, or even on the cultural impact the trials have had. I feel like an additional couple dozen pages could have given the book a little more time to expand upon these under-explored aspects.
Overall, I think this book has a lot going for it, and it makes for decently educational reading, but I think it has enough problems that I would hesitate to recommend it to someone who had no knowledge going in. I think it's still worth the read for anyone who can engage with this work critically.
October 31, 2024
October Graphic Novel Pick
Idk how I feel about this. It was educational, but I think the medium of the work limited its ability to be a fully fleshed out story.
At the beginning of the book the reader is introduced to "the afflicted", "the accused" and "the witch hunters/men in power". I don't think this was the best way to introduce the villagers, since you had zero story to go off of at that point. I think a family/village tree would've been a better visual aid, so it could be referenced more easily while reading.
The second half of the book is where the story finally starts to pick up, with the Grand Trial happening in the Salem Meetinghouse and witnesses coming forward to "testify". One thing this book does extremely well is portray the hysteria of the times, with villagers turning on fellow villagers for things such as personal gain, revenge, prejudice or just straight up fear. It is made quite obvious that the religious paranoia of Europe and the publishing of the "Malleus Maleficarum" otherwise known as "The Witches Hammer" slowly trickled over to America and led to these outlandish testimonies. After the deaths of twenty villagers accused of witchcraft, Governor Phips (Royal Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony) would deem the trials unlawful and pardon the remaining individuals charged with witchcraft.
Like I said, it was educational and I learned about some of the individuals who were convicted in the trials, (and the horrible judge presiding), but this story would do better and hit harder in a different medium.
Idk how I feel about this. It was educational, but I think the medium of the work limited its ability to be a fully fleshed out story.
At the beginning of the book the reader is introduced to "the afflicted", "the accused" and "the witch hunters/men in power". I don't think this was the best way to introduce the villagers, since you had zero story to go off of at that point. I think a family/village tree would've been a better visual aid, so it could be referenced more easily while reading.
The second half of the book is where the story finally starts to pick up, with the Grand Trial happening in the Salem Meetinghouse and witnesses coming forward to "testify". One thing this book does extremely well is portray the hysteria of the times, with villagers turning on fellow villagers for things such as personal gain, revenge, prejudice or just straight up fear. It is made quite obvious that the religious paranoia of Europe and the publishing of the "Malleus Maleficarum" otherwise known as "The Witches Hammer" slowly trickled over to America and led to these outlandish testimonies. After the deaths of twenty villagers accused of witchcraft, Governor Phips (Royal Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony) would deem the trials unlawful and pardon the remaining individuals charged with witchcraft.
Like I said, it was educational and I learned about some of the individuals who were convicted in the trials, (and the horrible judge presiding), but this story would do better and hit harder in a different medium.
November 20, 2024
80%
This was a tad difficult to follow, with all the characters and location/time jumps, but I think that was an intentional choice on behalf of the author to cultivate a sense of the chaos and confusion that invaded everyone's lives during this horrific bout of hysteria in and around Salem. News was slower in those days, and almost always second- or even third-hand, which of course does nothing to provide clarity on matters.
I appreciate the author's inclusion of context that I feel isn't typically mentioned when discussing the Salem Witch Trials, but that played a major role in it: of the Puritan religion, previous witch trials in other areas (notably Sweden and Boston), gender roles and power structures, fear of Native American raids, and even the harsh weather. These people were traumatized, repressed, shamed for every little thing, and powerless to do anything about it or their situation - in short, they snapped.
What's frightening is that they were quite normal people, not much different from us today. Okay, maybe their beliefs were extreme, but they were generally a hard-working people just trying to get by. Unfortunately, humans are very susceptible to paranoia, conspiracy, and fear-mongering, and we're uniquely capable of acting on those feelings in the most atrocious of manners. Something like this could easily happen again, but I hope I don't live to see it.
This was a tad difficult to follow, with all the characters and location/time jumps, but I think that was an intentional choice on behalf of the author to cultivate a sense of the chaos and confusion that invaded everyone's lives during this horrific bout of hysteria in and around Salem. News was slower in those days, and almost always second- or even third-hand, which of course does nothing to provide clarity on matters.
I appreciate the author's inclusion of context that I feel isn't typically mentioned when discussing the Salem Witch Trials, but that played a major role in it: of the Puritan religion, previous witch trials in other areas (notably Sweden and Boston), gender roles and power structures, fear of Native American raids, and even the harsh weather. These people were traumatized, repressed, shamed for every little thing, and powerless to do anything about it or their situation - in short, they snapped.
What's frightening is that they were quite normal people, not much different from us today. Okay, maybe their beliefs were extreme, but they were generally a hard-working people just trying to get by. Unfortunately, humans are very susceptible to paranoia, conspiracy, and fear-mongering, and we're uniquely capable of acting on those feelings in the most atrocious of manners. Something like this could easily happen again, but I hope I don't live to see it.
September 21, 2025
This one was a mixed bag for me, though overall I found it to be a worthwhile read. What stood out most was the art style which I found to be suited to the subject matter. The illustrations, especially the depictions of the people in the opening sections, added so much weight to the history being told.
I also appreciated the information was present in each part. The book does an excellent job of capturing the hysteria of the time and showing how easily entire communities could get swept up in fear and suspicion. The way the trials are described elicits a real emotional response, it’s hard not to feel both horrified and fascinated by the events.
That said, there were aspects I struggled with. The use of 17th-century language, while authentic, sometimes slowed down the pacing and made the text feel a bit heavy. I also found myself wishing for more focus on the aftermath, the long shadow these trials cast, and how the communities recovered (or didn’t) in the years that followed.
Overall, though, An Outbreak of Witchcraft offers a solid blend of history and atmosphere. It’s engaging, visually striking, and brings the Salem witch trials to life in a way that feels both educational and affecting.
I also appreciated the information was present in each part. The book does an excellent job of capturing the hysteria of the time and showing how easily entire communities could get swept up in fear and suspicion. The way the trials are described elicits a real emotional response, it’s hard not to feel both horrified and fascinated by the events.
That said, there were aspects I struggled with. The use of 17th-century language, while authentic, sometimes slowed down the pacing and made the text feel a bit heavy. I also found myself wishing for more focus on the aftermath, the long shadow these trials cast, and how the communities recovered (or didn’t) in the years that followed.
Overall, though, An Outbreak of Witchcraft offers a solid blend of history and atmosphere. It’s engaging, visually striking, and brings the Salem witch trials to life in a way that feels both educational and affecting.
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.
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.
January 14, 2025
A graphic novel that should have been graphic non-fiction. Alas, too late now.
Each chapter is introduced with a few pages of text that give a general outline of the witch crisis in Salem circa 1692. This text is good and interesting!
Then we hit the historical fiction within each chapter and the book slows to a crawl. Deborah Noyes lifts real text from historical documents and turns it into dialogue, hoping for realism, and instead creating sludge. I don't think the YA target market is going to learn anything from 17th century legalese-as-dialogue.
Neither the text introductions nor the drawn portions give any sort of explanation for why all these women are being accused of holding yellow birds or forcing young girls to sign books. Apparently, these are indicators of witchiness, but why that was the case in the 17th century isn't explored.
All told, what should have been an exciting, engaging read was largely dull. I found myself skimming the drawn portions as repetition set in.
Each chapter is introduced with a few pages of text that give a general outline of the witch crisis in Salem circa 1692. This text is good and interesting!
Then we hit the historical fiction within each chapter and the book slows to a crawl. Deborah Noyes lifts real text from historical documents and turns it into dialogue, hoping for realism, and instead creating sludge. I don't think the YA target market is going to learn anything from 17th century legalese-as-dialogue.
Neither the text introductions nor the drawn portions give any sort of explanation for why all these women are being accused of holding yellow birds or forcing young girls to sign books. Apparently, these are indicators of witchiness, but why that was the case in the 17th century isn't explored.
All told, what should have been an exciting, engaging read was largely dull. I found myself skimming the drawn portions as repetition set in.
August 9, 2024
Ugh a bit too real
August 10, 2025
I saw this graphic, An Outbreak of Witchcraft: A Graphic Novel of the Salem Witch Trials by Deborah Noyes at my local and it seemed an interesting story. So, of course, I purchased it. 😃👍😎 It's a true story based on the Salem witch trials of 1692 - 1693.
America was just being settled and there were many pressures; settlers chased out of Maine by French (from New France, aka Canada) and their Native allies; religious intolerance & persecution, misogyny, boredom, and so many other things. Young girls begin having seizures and spells and start blaming neighbour women of casting spells on them, being in league with the devil.
This is the setting for the witch trials which will ultimately end up with 19 men and women being executed by hanging. Others died in prison before the Governor ultimately decided that enough was enough.
It's an interesting, frightening and depressing story. Why did the young girls accuse their neighbours? Was it witchcraft? Were they bored? Were they victims of mass psychosis? Was it PTSD from watching their families murdered in Maine by the French? Was it a way of solving boundary disputes between families? There don't seem to be clear answers. It was a carry over from witchcraft trials in Britain and the European continent.
The story left me cold but I'm glad I read it. It's well written and well illustrated and each chapter provides an outline of the events taking place. Check it out. (3.0 stars)
America was just being settled and there were many pressures; settlers chased out of Maine by French (from New France, aka Canada) and their Native allies; religious intolerance & persecution, misogyny, boredom, and so many other things. Young girls begin having seizures and spells and start blaming neighbour women of casting spells on them, being in league with the devil.
This is the setting for the witch trials which will ultimately end up with 19 men and women being executed by hanging. Others died in prison before the Governor ultimately decided that enough was enough.
It's an interesting, frightening and depressing story. Why did the young girls accuse their neighbours? Was it witchcraft? Were they bored? Were they victims of mass psychosis? Was it PTSD from watching their families murdered in Maine by the French? Was it a way of solving boundary disputes between families? There don't seem to be clear answers. It was a carry over from witchcraft trials in Britain and the European continent.
The story left me cold but I'm glad I read it. It's well written and well illustrated and each chapter provides an outline of the events taking place. Check it out. (3.0 stars)
October 2, 2025
A grim stroll through the Massachusetts Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Each section begins with a textual historical introduction, followed by an illustrated enactment of the fits, interrogations, accusations, and quasi-legal proceedings that culminated in the murders of over twenty "witches". Nineteen were hanged; others were tortured to death or just died of horrific prison conditions. The colony government repented some 20yrs later, declaring the Trials unlawful and compensating the families of the deceased.
The text intros are very informative and interesting; the illustrated sections are informative and interesting when they're not repetitive and tedious.
The blind, frantic, superstitious rush to judgment takes me back to the '80s Satanic Panic, when Old Scratch totally ensnared American teenagers by the ton with video games, Dungeons & Dragons, and rock and/or roll. Today reason, knowledge, and basic reality are yet again under furious fundamentalist assault. Learn from history or repeat it, right?
The text intros are very informative and interesting; the illustrated sections are informative and interesting when they're not repetitive and tedious.
The blind, frantic, superstitious rush to judgment takes me back to the '80s Satanic Panic, when Old Scratch totally ensnared American teenagers by the ton with video games, Dungeons & Dragons, and rock and/or roll. Today reason, knowledge, and basic reality are yet again under furious fundamentalist assault. Learn from history or repeat it, right?
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.
September 21, 2024
A harrowing ya graphic novel about the Salem Witch Hunt. The manipulation of traumatized girls and the men who used them to increase their power.
October 31, 2024
19/30 YA books for YA lit class
i had no idea that part of the hysteria was started by a blonde bitch mean girl
i had no idea that part of the hysteria was started by a blonde bitch mean girl
November 22, 2025
3.5/5
I will say, it was very well written, but at the same time, the story is one I have heard many times before from History class. The illustrations brought nee life to the story.
I will say, it was very well written, but at the same time, the story is one I have heard many times before from History class. The illustrations brought nee life to the story.
May 3, 2025
provides context predating the trials and executions that are very helpful. i learned a good bit of history here. recommended.
Read
May 26, 2025This is a historical heavy nonfiction graphic novel that truly delves into the hysteria of Salem.
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**
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.
November 24, 2024
The Salem Witch Trials are well-known for drama, but this tries to give a bit of context to the saga. Unfortunately it felt a bit disjointed and slightly confusing.
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.
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