From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6–These two entries in the popular series illuminate tragic events in American history. When local girls begin to act strangely and accuse others of being witches, Deliverance Trembley believes them. However, after a trusted neighbor is implicated, she begins to have doubts and struggles to make up her own mind about the people accused. The story shows how one person's view could evolve over time. However, it is sometimes difficult to keep the characters straight, especially who is an accuser and who is accused. In 1909, Angela Denoto, a 14-year-old garment-factory worker, lives with her parents in New York City. She works long days and gives all of her pay to her Italian immigrant family. When union organizers come on the scene, Angela joins in the excitement. Later, her sister barely escapes a fire at the Triangle Waist Company, where she works. This story is told with lively details, from the noise in the factory to the heat in the family's tenement apartment. The description of the fire is graphic, with girls jumping out of windows to their deaths. Both books contain sections on life in America during the time and photos and illustrations. Additional titles for fans of the series.–Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Book Description
Deliverance Trembley lives in Salem Village, where she must take care of her sickly sister, Mem, and where she does her daily chores in fear of her cruel uncle's angry temper. But when four young girls from the village accuse some of the local women of being witches, Deliverance finds herself caught up in the ensuing drama of the trials. And life in Salem is never the same.

ANNOTATION

Twelve-year-old Deliverance Trembley writes in her diary about the fears and doubts that arise during the 1692 witch hunt and trials in Salem Village, Massachusetts, especially when her pious friend, Goody Corey, is condemned as a witch.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Deliverance Trembley lives in Salem Village, where she must take care of her sickly sister, Mem, and where she does her daily chores in fear of her cruel uncle's angry temper. But when four young girls from the village accuse some of the local women of being witches, Deliverance finds herself caught up in the ensuing drama of the trials. And life in Salem is never the same.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Cindy L. Carolan

Deliverance Trembley is a twelve year old girl who lives on a farm outside Salem, on Massachusetts Bay in 1691 with her sister Mem and their angry uncle, who is supposedly taking care of them because the girls' parents died. Strange things are happening in the town (four little girls are "afflicted," while unexplained events are purportedly occurring) and after finding a book with blank pages in the hen house, Deliverance decides to keep a journal of her observations, thoughts and fears. The underlying message of how involvement with a frenzied crowd can be lethal is subliminal, yet effective. Descriptions of everyday life from the period are rich, emphasizing that people had to work strenuously in order to maintain the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter. At the back of the book, readers will encounter a "Historical Note" pertaining to life in 1691. These eight pages will answer many questions that may have been formed while reading the book, including the all encompassing, does anyone really know what happened in Salem Village in 1691? The author also explains how this particular piece of historical fiction was written; he details how the two primary families depicted in the book are fictional, yet interact with actual historical figures in this tale. Illustrations, photographs and a map are also included. This book is part of the "Dear America" series. Recommended. 2004, Scholastic, Ages 9 to 12.

School Library Journal