Did You Hear What Happened in Salem?: The Witch Trials of 1692 (Did You Hear What Happened, 1)
#1 in Did You Hear What Happened Series
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What’s inside...
Katie Kennedy’s nonfiction, middle-grade account places readers in the tense, superstition-filled atmosphere of 1692 Salem Village. Through short, dramatic chapters told from multiple real-life viewpoints—accusers, accused, judges, and townspeople—the book traces how strange fits suffered by several girls escalated into mass hysteria, a special court, and the execution of 20 innocent people. Illustrated period drawings, sidebars, and primary-source excerpts help young readers untangle rumor from fact while exploring the social, religious, and political forces that fueled one of the most infamous events in American colonial history.
Character compass
John Proctor
Mary Warren
Tituba
Judge Samuel Sewall
Reverend Samuel Parris
Ann Putnam Jr.
Abigail Williams
Discussion points
What role did fear play in the trials?
How might the accused have felt?
Could this happen today with social media rumors?
What evidence should courts accept?
Tip: Role play these questions
Compare colonial courts to modern justice systems.
Create a ‘fact vs. rumor’ chart while reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Think critically about evidence.
Explanation: Judges accepted invisible ‘spectral evidence’ and innocent people suffered.
Real-World Application: Question sensational claims online and look for reliable sources.
Example Lesson: Rumors hurt real people.
Explanation: Accusations spread fast, leading to wrongful deaths.
Real-World Application: Avoid repeating unverified gossip at school or online.
Example Lesson: Courage means speaking up.
Explanation: Some community members doubted the trials and risked backlash to protest.
Real-World Application: Support classmates who are treated unfairly.