Wicked Girls

Hemphill, Stephanie.  2010. Wicked Girls.  New York: HarperCollins Publishers.  ISBN 978-0-06-185329-6

(Image obtained from amazon.com)

Summary

Wicked Girls is a novel about the Salem Witch Trials, told in verse poetry, told through the fictionalized accounts of Mercy Lewis, Margaret Walcott, and Ann Putman, Jr.    Wicked Girls is intended for children in grade 7 and above.

Quality and Appeal

At the very least, the language found within Wicked Girls is consistent with the 1600s and the characters in Wicked Girls are well-written and well-built, creating a situation where readers are transported into this era.  Because the poetry rotates between all three girls, readers get a genuine feel for a multifaceted storyline.

Concepts of bullying and peer pressure run rampant.  This verse novel tells the story of actual people who played major roles in the Salem Witch Trials but provides a fictionalized account as to (possibly) why these women acted in the manner that they did.  Hemphill manages to provide a unique spin on a topic that much of America knows about.  However, it is worth mentioning that by using free verse poetry, the historical back story is missing which leaves some holes in the overall concept.  Because of this, Wicked Girls could be a great supplemental tool when teaching this section of history. 

The target audience for Wicked Girls is grades 7+.  While I initially worried that this novel may only appeal to females, the historical significance may also pull in male readers. 

Spotlight Poem

An excerpt from Secondhand Girl

I grasp it and she motions me to lie down. 

I press my cheek to her lap,

and she strokes my hair.  "There, there.

Do as I say, and all will be well.

We must be strong now, very strong.

Promise to do as I ask, and I shall protect you."

I nod my head, "I promise."

This poem could be used to introduce appropriate social topics in school:  bullying, peer pressure, group mentality, etc.

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