History Smashers: Salem Witch Trials

Myths! Lies! Neighbors casting spells? Grab your brookstick, beloved educator and author Kate Messner is cleaning up the biggest myths and misconceptions about the Salem Witch Trials.

A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

In 1692, a few paranoid Puritans accused their neighbors of being witches sending the town flying off the (broomstick) handle. Before it was all over, dozens of women in Salem, Massachusetts were executed—burned at the stake. RIGHT?

WRONG! There was some serious witch worry, but no one in the United States was put on a pyre (though the truth isn’t much better). And women weren’t the only ones caught in crossfire.

What really happened? The truth is historians aren’t totally sure. But it is certain that religious beliefs, a changing world, and a few super nosy neighbors collided to spell disaster for one New England town. No joke!

Award-winning author Kate Messner demolishes everything you thought you knew about history.

Ready to bust new myths? Check out more titles in the History Smashers series: The Mayflower • The American Revolution • The Titanic • Plagues and Pandemics