Description: The colony of Massachusetts in 1692 was a harsh place. Disease, hunger, and the threat of war made life stressful. Colonists clung to their religious faith and looked for someone to blame. Some accused their fellow colonists of causing the troubles through the practice of witchcraft. The hysteria spread until no one was safe. Will you: - Attempt to defend yourself against charges of witchcraft? - Try to keep your family together as your mother is put on trial? - Accuse someone else of being a witch?
Brief description: Matt Doeden is a freelance author and editor from Minnesota. He's written numerous children's books on sports, music, current events, the military, extreme survival, and much more. His books Sandy Koufax (Twenty-First Century Books, 2006) and Tom Brady: Unlikely Champion (Twenty-First Century Books, 2011) were Junior Library Guild selections. Doeden began his career as a sports writer before turning to publishing. He lives in Minnesota with his wife and two children.
Review Quotes: This excellent series takes students back in time. Readers have the option of choosing which path they want each of three characters to take. Each character is a child or young adult who faces tough situations and decisions that are typical of the time period. For example, in The Salem Witch Trials, the reader can choose to read about someone accused of witchcraft, be the relative of an accused witch, or be the accuser. What makes this series stand out is the historical background provided. Illustrations are scattered throughout the pages. In Orphan Trains actual photographs are used as well. The quick pace of the stories will appeal to reluctant readers, as will the option for them to choose what will happen next.-- "Library Media Connection"