Monday, September 7, 2009

The Witches of Worm

Zilpha Keatley Snyder. Dell Publishing, 1972. ISBN: 978-1416995319.

Plot Summary: Jessica has never been a cat person, but when she discovers a new born kitten, she takes it home to take care of it and alleviate her loneliness. Jessica is an unhappy girl, her est friend in her building will no longer play with here and her mother has made it clear that she has better things to do than to spend time with her daughter. Jessica spends most of her time either alone, or with some of the interesting tenants of her apartment building. Not long after she gets Worm however, he begins influencing her to do terrible things and act out her worst thoughts. Is Jessica doomed to be a Witch or can she overcome Worm's powerful influence?

Critical Evaluation: This is a good book for those who are interested in the occult and like a little suspense. There is no gore or violence in this book but it is still spooky and would likely make people jump in a few spots. Jessica's loneliness and anger are also well portrayed and make her a very sympathetic character even as her behavior is deteriorating. The book is eerie and sad in many places but it is a positive book in terms of it showing the process of how a person overcomes difficulties in their lives.

Reader's Annotation: When Jessica discovers the tiny, worm like kitten near her apartment, she considers leaving it to die. Although she is not a cat person she decides to take it home but soon realizes that Worm is not an ordinary cat, but a demon cat. Who can she turn to for help?

About the Author: Zilpha Keatly Snyder is the author of several books in the same genre including, The Headless Cupid, The Egypt Game, and The Changeling which are all Newberry Honor Books and ALA notable books for children.

Genre: Suspense, occult
Curriculum Ties: None
Booktalking Ideas: Being Alone, Witches, Demons
Interest Level: 9-12

Challenge Issues: An exorcism is performed by Jessica on Worm. This could be defended by examining the process in which people overcome all types of problems and barriers. This would demonstrate that the portrayal of the exorcism in the story is a metaphor for personal growth and being able to grow as a person. Also, by researching the circumstances surrounding the Salem Which trials, which are a significant part of the book.

Selection Process: I read The Headless Cupid and The Egypt Game when I was young and wanted to read more by the same author.

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