A review by ashylibrarian
An Outbreak of Witchcraft by Deborah Noyes

dark emotional informative medium-paced

4.0

This is a unique and gripping narrative nonfiction graphic novel that brings the notorious Salem Witch Trials to the page in an accessible way. The detailed illustrations help to support the text as the panic, widespread mistrust, and false accusations fly around. The author also breaks up each section (of which there are four) with historical notes. I found the transitions of these to be the tiniest bit choppy, however, I do think the background was helpful for the story and expanding for readers the impact these trials had beyond the stories represented on the page. One hiccup I would say this book has the number of characters shared with the readers if for no other reason than a lot of them share the same first name (as was the case in Puritan New England). Overall, though, I think this book will be helpful for readers who know of the trials and those new to the topic.