I Put a Spell on You

For the first time since I have embarked on this epic journey to submerge myself in the glittery world of Newbery winners, I have come upon an old friend, a book I have cherished since I was a child, The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare, and winner of the 1959 Newbery Medal.

Our friendship began when I was trapped in the hell that is middle school. Like Kit, an exotic woman in a Puritan landscape, I felt like I could never belong among the chattering girls who lived in tiny boxes and looked down at anyone who was different. While they grew up in ultra-Orthodox homes, I grew up in a modern home, where the TV has left on during Shabbos and people were judged by their actions, not their skin color. I found a kindred spirit in Kit, whose own moral compass would not allow her to reject Hannah, a Quaker woman who was shunned by the Puritan community in Wethersfield. Kit was determined to be her own person, despite the ever-present danger of superstition and prejudice, and her example gave me the strength to face my own demons.

Now, as an adult, The Witch of Blackbird Pond means more to me than ever. I still face physical and personal demons. I'm still surrounded by self-righteous Puritans. And I still aspire to be a "wicked" witch.

>>>>> Another decade down... many more to go!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>