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The Witches of Worm (by Zilpha Keatley Snyder)

common sense media says

Newbery Honor-ed tale not for scaredy cats.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this book deals with a mischievous kid who believes her cat is possessed and telling her to do bad things. They should be prepared to answer questions about witchcraft and exorcism, and to deal with cases of the heebie-jeebies.

Positive messages: A cat is seemingly possessed and a girl uses that to excuse some pretty bad behavior. Everyone eventually comes to their senses and feels remorse. One parent is often absent and selfish.
Violence: A creepy cat brings on the chills, and a girl thinks about setting her neighbor's apartment on fire.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on The Witches of Worm

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about taking responsibility for one's actions. When Jessica got out of trouble by lying, how did it make her feel? Have you ever done something wrong and gotten away with it? How did you feel afterward? Did you come clean?

What's the story?

What's the story?

Jessica Porter, often left alone by her mom and recently on the outs with her best friend, takes up with a strange cat named Worm. When Jessica found him she didn't even like cats, but she started taking care of him anyway. Now she feels like she's somehow under his spell. Is he really talking to her, telling her to do bad things, or is she just imagining it?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Zilpha Keatley Snyder's Newbery Honor-ed tale is fun, spooky, and ideal for anyone who has found themselves joking, "the devil made me do it." A great thing about Snyder's style is she finds a way to weave great detail and information into a story without overloading it or making the reader feel like they are being lectured. There is a moral to the story, but Snyder presents it with subtlety. Kids who love a good mystery will eat this one up.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Publisher: Yearling Books
Publication date: February 1, 1986
Number of pages: 183
Paperback price: $6.50

This review was written by Terreece Clarke
 
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age