Historical Fiction, Young Adult
Historical Fiction
This novel is set in the 17th-century Connecticut Colony. History, however, is not merely a backdrop for The Witch of Blackbird Pond. The novel picks up on many of the debates of the day. The political unrest in the colonies is a major theme, as is the religious tension between Puritans and Quakers. You need not have a background in history to enjoy the novel, of course. Elizabeth George Spears does a terrific job of guiding readers through the more unfamiliar material.
Want to learn more about Colonial America and the Puritans? Check out these Shmoop US History Learning Guides:
Young Adult Fiction
As with most books in the young adult genre, The Witch of Blackbird Pond is a coming-of-age story in which the protagonist grapples with identity formation and finding her place in society. The search for “home” is one of Kit’s major narrative paths.