I Walk in Dread: The Diary of Deliverance Trembly, Witness to the Salem Witch Trials, Massachusetts Bay Colony 1691 (Dear America Series)
Dear America Series
on Goodreads (2,816)
What’s inside...
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. Deliverance lives in Salem Village, where she must take care of her sickly sister, Mem, and does her daily chores in fear of her cruel uncle's temper. As four young girls from the village accuse local women of being witches, Deliverance becomes entangled in the turmoil and drama of the Salem Witch Trials, and life in Salem is forever changed.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
203 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Deliverance Trembly
Remembrance Trembly
Discussion points
How do you think Deliverance felt during the Salem Witch Trials? Why?
What similarities and differences do you see between Deliverance's world and ours today?
Why is it important to speak up when you believe something is wrong?
How can fear impact a community’s decisions? Can you give an example from the book?
What did you learn about empathy and understanding different perspectives from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Deliverance’s shoes, fostering empathy and understanding. Discuss the historical context briefly to give them a backdrop against which the story unfolds. Highlight the moral dilemmas faced by characters to deepen their grasp of right and wrong. Use examples from the book to discuss the consequences of actions guided by fear or misinformation. Lastly, connect themes from the book to current events or personal experiences to make the discussion more relatable and impactful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The protagonist, Deliverance, witnesses the fear and hysteria surrounding the Salem Witch Trials, helping readers understand the importance of empathy towards those who are wrongfully accused.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing kindness and trying to understand others' perspectives, especially in situations where someone may be unfairly judged or isolated by their peers.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: As Deliverance questions the accusations and ponder the evidence (or lack thereof) in the trials, the story promotes critical thinking and encourages questioning of seemingly irrational societal actions.
Real-World Application: This instills in children the importance of questioning information, analyzing situations logically, and not just following the crowd.
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: Deliverance shows bravery in speaking out against the injustices she perceives, despite the potential consequences. This highlights the virtue of courage even when it is difficult.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of standing up for what they believe is right, even when they may face opposition or when it might be easier to remain silent.
Example Lesson: Importance of history
Explanation: The book provides a window into a pivotal historical event, helping children understand the gravity of the past and its impact on the present.
Real-World Application: This encourages children not only to learn about history but to appreciate its lessons and understand its influence on current societal norms and laws.
Example Lesson: Resilience in tough times
Explanation: Throughout the trials and tribulations during the Salem Witch Trials, Deliverance remains hopeful and resilient, teaching children that maintaining hope and resilience is crucial even in the darkest times.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to remain optimistic and persistently pursue their beliefs and values, no matter the external pressures or challenges they face.