Kids ages 9-12 re invited to join us for virtual book club. REGISTER to reserve your book and activity kit. We'll meet on Wednesday, October 28th at 4:00pm to chat about the book and share what we made with our activity kits. The copy of the book is yours to keep or pass along. We do ask that each family only reserve one copy of the book even if you have multiple participants, but you can request extra activity kits in the registration comments.

Important note on registration: When you register, we'll ask you if you will be picking your book and kit up via our curbside pickup service or if you need it to be mailed/delivered to you. Please be sure to include your full address if you require delivery! Please reach out if you have any questions.

This month we are reading Witches! The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem.

This book received a Robert F. Sibert Honor medal in 2012 (Excellence in Children's Non-Fiction) and is generally recommended for ages 10 & Up.

About the book: "[This book] succinctly re-creates the hysteria, confusion, and tragedy of the Salem Witch Trials...poignantly describing the religious fervor of the Puritans and the ease with which neighbors and family members accused one another (and even domestic animals) of witchcraft. From the "testimony" of witnesses, to the courtroom proceedings, and to the eventual realization that the accusations and trials were nearing epic in proportion, the author effortlessly guides readers through this bizarre moment in American history. Several theories regarding the causes for the witchcraft hysteria and the "fits" experienced by many of the accused are addressed, but no definite answers are promoted or advocated. Primary-source material consisting of courtroom testimony is woven throughout the narrative; spelling is modernized, and occasional passages are abridged for better understanding. The "What Happened Next" final chapter details the often-tragic ends for the unjustly accused; information on the accusers and the officials is also included." (School Library Journal)

This book club and the chosen material is intended for more mature readers. Because of the subject matter, characters die and quoted trial transcripts contain some mature language. If you have any concerns, please contact me directly at tworley@springifeld-or.gov.

Taylor Worley
Youth Services Librarian
Springfield Public Library

A note on book club titles: not every book will be a good choice for every reader, and there is no requirement that you participate every month. You can come as frequently as you wish. If you think a book may not be right for your reader, we recommend reading reviews from resources like School Library Journal and Common Sense Media. Alternatively, Librarian Taylor is always happy to chat about the books with you directly. We're here for you!