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Book Reviews of Witness

Witness
Witness
Author: Karen Hesse
ISBN-13: 9780786272495
ISBN-10: 078627249X
Publication Date: 2/16/2005
Pages: 200
Reading Level: Young Adult
Rating:
  • Currently 2.3/5 Stars.
 2

2.3 stars, based on 2 ratings
Publisher: Thorndike Press
Book Type: Hardcover
Large Print: Yes
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

9 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed Witness on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
vermont-1924, The KKK moves in and no one is safe. A lyrical novel about a community on the brink of disaster,told through the haunting and impassioned voices of those who bear witness. Good lit for middle school English/History classes.
reviewed Witness on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book was interesting because it told the story through several points of view.
reviewed Witness on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was a very fast read yet it had a lot of info.A little difficult to read because of the racial issues but if you have a couple of hours to kill this book will definately do it for you. It kind of reads like a play and this seems to help it move at a good pace.
reviewed Witness on + 156 more book reviews
A novel by Newbery Medalist Karen Hesse
Synopsis:

It is 1924, and a small Vermont town finds itself under siege--by the Ku Klux Klan. Using free verse, Newbery Medal-winning author Karen Hesse allows 11 unique and memorable voices to relate the story of the Klan's steady infiltration into the conscience of a small, Prohibition-era community. The Klan's "all-American" philosophy is at first embraced by several of the town's influential men, including Constable Parcelle Johnson andretailer Harvey Pettibone. But Harvey's sensible wife, Viola, and independent restaurant owner Iris Weaver suspect from the beginning that the Klan's arrival heralds trouble. As the only African Americans in town, 12-year old LeonoraSutter and her father try to escape Klan scrutiny, while 6-year-old, city-born Esther Hirsch remains blissfully unaware of the Klan's prejudice against Jews as she enjoys the Vermont countryside. And Sara Chickering, the lady farmerwho has opened her home to Esther and her father, is torn between her own hidden biases and her growing love for Esther.

All, however, are galvanized towards action when a shadowy figure shoots at Esther and her father rightthrough Sara's front door. Who would commit such an evil act? And is it too late to remove the poison that has insidiously leaked into their once tight-knit community? Part mystery, part social commentary, Hesse's historically accuratechronicle is a riveting catalyst for discussion that thoughtfully explores race and identity from every possible point of view. The free verse format and distinct characterizations also make Witness a perfect choicefor library or classroom reader's theater productions. --Jennifer Hubert

reviewed Witness on + 50 more book reviews
Leanora Sutter.
Esther Hirsh.
Merlin Van Tornhout.
Johnny Reeves...

These characters are among the unforgettable cast inhabiting a small Vermont town in 1924. A town that turns against its own when the Ku Klux Klan moves in. No one is safe, especially the two youngest, twelve-year-old Leanora, an African-American girl, and six-year-old Esther, who is Jewish.

In this story of a community on the brink of disaster, told through the haunting and impassioned voices of its inhabitants, Newbery Award winner Karen Hesse takes readers into the hearts and minds of those who bear witness.
reviewed Witness on + 33 more book reviews
These characters are among the unforgettable cast inhabiting a small vermont town in 1924. A town that turns against its own when the Ku Klux Klan moves in. SCHOLASTIC
reviewed Witness on + 48 more book reviews
Tale of a town that turns against its own when the KKK moves in. This is a story of a community on the brink of disaster, told through the haunting and impassioned voices of its inhabitants. (paraphrased from back cover)
reviewed Witness on + 89 more book reviews
A great story about the Ku Klux Klan and how it turned neighbor against neighbor in a small town. The story is told thru poetry.
reviewed Witness on + 3 more book reviews
love the book has white out on the front cover