A Break with Charity

A Break with Charity Fourteen-year-old Susanna English lives in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692, where she yearns to join a select group of girls who gather at the Reverend's house each night. Through these meetings, she becomes privy to a disturbing secret that will impact the entire town. The Salem witch trials begin as accusations spread through the community, imprisoning innocent townspeople. Susanna faces a moral crisis when she must choose between revealing the truth and protecting her family from false accusations. This historical novel, based on real events and people from the Salem witch trials, explores themes of conscience, community hysteria, and the price of silence in the face of injustice.

Readers find this YA historical novel provides an accessible entry point to understanding the Salem Witch Trials through a teenager's perspective. Many note it works well as both a classroom text and independent read. Liked: - Historical accuracy and attention to detail - Complex moral questions that prompt discussion - Clear explanations of the trials' social dynamics - Protagonist Susanna English feels relatable to young readers Disliked: - Slow pacing in first third of book - Some found the writing style dry - Several readers wanted more character development for supporting roles - A few noted historical details sometimes overshadow the narrative Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (5,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (120+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 "Makes history come alive without sensationalizing it" - Goodreads reviewer "Perfect blend of fact and fiction but takes time to get going" - Amazon reviewer "Good for teaching but might not hold reluctant readers" - Teacher review on Common Sense Media

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🔹 The real Susanna English, whose perspective drives the novel, survived the Salem Witch Trials, but both her parents were accused of witchcraft and forced to flee to New York to escape prosecution. 🔹 Author Ann Rinaldi has written over 40 historical novels for young readers, earning her the National History Award for her contributions to children's historical literature. 🔹 During the Salem Witch Trials, more men and women were accused and executed for witchcraft in Massachusetts than in all other American colonies combined. 🔹 The title "A Break with Charity" refers to Charity Cooke, a real historical figure who was part of the group of "afflicted girls" whose accusations sparked the witch trials. 🔹 The novel accurately portrays how the accused were often asked to recite the Lord's Prayer as a test - a common practice during the trials, as it was believed that witches couldn't speak these holy words without stumbling.