The Salem Witch Trials: A Primary Source History of the Witchcraft Trials in Salem, Massachusetts

For a period of our history that is shrouded in great mystery, even 300 years later, this is a good book for a preteen/teenager to start with, in hopes of understanding this dark period of times. It starts with introducing the young reader with the events of the time, then goes into a visual time line of events. Within the 6 short chapters, it explains how rumors get get started, what the accused endured by their families, neighbors and those who judged them. With the last two chapters going into the trial and sentencing of the accused along with how society dealt with the aftermath of rumors that accused innocent people, both men and women of witchcraft. In the back of the book are a few actual historical transcripts from the trials so that the reader is able to see how a trial transpired (wording is in Olde English speak). There is also a glossary to allow the young reader to look up words that they normally do not hear. If this book has peeked the interest of the young reader, the last two pages provide them sources for further reading. This book is "okay" for adults, but again, perfect for young readers.