Bibliographic Data: Hemphill, Stephanie. 2010. WICKED GIRLS: A NOVEL OF THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS. NewYork: HarperCollins Children’s Books. ISBN 978-0-06-185328-9
Plot Summary:
Wicked Girls takes place in 1690 and is told in the voice of three young girls living during the Salem Witch Trials. This historical fiction novel is written in verse form, and the language is accurate for the period. Despite the (possible) language barrier for current audiences, Wicked Girls is alluring, timely, and speaks to current issues like autonomy, peer pressure, and the struggle for recognition. This book is haunting and ethereal.
Critical Analysis:
Upon first reading the description of this novel, I was concerned that I would not be able to really get to know the characters, and therefore would not believe in their stories as it is written in verse form. I am very happy to say Hemphill made me a believer. The tone of each poem is powerful, yet subtle, and could easily be a singular work. The girls come alive in the way Jeffrey Eugenides’ Lisbon girls do, quietly, beautifully, forcefully, yet they are still dangerous and careless.
The universal themes will hook teenage readers who identify with the characters, the text, and mischievous actions of the girls, but will also impart a desire to learn more about the times, and actual people the books characters were based on. Hemphill includes a brief history on the inspiration characters, as well as the accused. Although the book is fiction, its historical nature will captivate young audiences. The figurative language and imagery make the reader feel present.
Connections:
This novel is perfect for teaching the Salem Witch Trials in school. As Vardell says in Poetry Aloud, linking poetry to course material, whether language arts or social studies, helps the story come even more alive. This book would pair excellently with the unit on the Crucible in language arts.
Side Note: For the first time I purchased the wrong novel for a course. I somehow managed to order “The Wicked Girls” by Alex Marwood. I got to chapter three before I realized there must be a mix-up. The book was wonderful, 4 ½ stars totally, but I ended up scrambling to buy Wicked Girls by Hemphill on my trusty kindle.
Reviews:
Publishers Weekly review: “The expressive writing, masterful tension, and parallels to modern group dynamics create a powerful and relevant page-turner.”
Booklist starred review: “Hemphill’s raw, intimate poetry probes behind the abstract facts and creates characters that pulse with complex emotion.”
Spotlight Poem:
Plot Summary:
Wicked Girls takes place in 1690 and is told in the voice of three young girls living during the Salem Witch Trials. This historical fiction novel is written in verse form, and the language is accurate for the period. Despite the (possible) language barrier for current audiences, Wicked Girls is alluring, timely, and speaks to current issues like autonomy, peer pressure, and the struggle for recognition. This book is haunting and ethereal.
Critical Analysis:
Upon first reading the description of this novel, I was concerned that I would not be able to really get to know the characters, and therefore would not believe in their stories as it is written in verse form. I am very happy to say Hemphill made me a believer. The tone of each poem is powerful, yet subtle, and could easily be a singular work. The girls come alive in the way Jeffrey Eugenides’ Lisbon girls do, quietly, beautifully, forcefully, yet they are still dangerous and careless.
The universal themes will hook teenage readers who identify with the characters, the text, and mischievous actions of the girls, but will also impart a desire to learn more about the times, and actual people the books characters were based on. Hemphill includes a brief history on the inspiration characters, as well as the accused. Although the book is fiction, its historical nature will captivate young audiences. The figurative language and imagery make the reader feel present.
Connections:
This novel is perfect for teaching the Salem Witch Trials in school. As Vardell says in Poetry Aloud, linking poetry to course material, whether language arts or social studies, helps the story come even more alive. This book would pair excellently with the unit on the Crucible in language arts.
Side Note: For the first time I purchased the wrong novel for a course. I somehow managed to order “The Wicked Girls” by Alex Marwood. I got to chapter three before I realized there must be a mix-up. The book was wonderful, 4 ½ stars totally, but I ended up scrambling to buy Wicked Girls by Hemphill on my trusty kindle.
Reviews:
Publishers Weekly review: “The expressive writing, masterful tension, and parallels to modern group dynamics create a powerful and relevant page-turner.”
Booklist starred review: “Hemphill’s raw, intimate poetry probes behind the abstract facts and creates characters that pulse with complex emotion.”
Spotlight Poem: