Witches

Witches
by Roald Dahl
Fiction
Puffin Books, 1983

Summary: A young man, during a family visit to his grandmother’s in Norway, is orphaned after an automobile accident takes the life of both parents. Grandmother, a self-acclaimed expert on witches, tells many tales to her grandson about how witches love to destroy children. While on holiday, the pair find themselves at a hotel in the company of all the witches in England, and the Grand High Witch herself. After being discovered listening to a plan to destroy the children of England, the young man is captured and turned into a mouse. He manages to escape to his grandmother and the two of them devise a plan to destroy the witches with their own magic. Even though his plan is successful, he still must live his life as a mouse; albeit, one with human voice and thoughts. The boy learns to accept what he has become, as does grandmother, and to use his mouse body to his advantage to destroy even more witches. This book is easily read in 2 – 3 hours and has many drawings to depict the story. Dahl has written several books for young people, the most famous is likely Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.

Themes: Overcoming adversity, survival in tough times.

Rationale for Use: An easy and fast read, simple story line with interesting characters and detailed illustrations.

Possible Problems or Concerns: The idea of both parents dying may be disturbing. Witches and spells may frighten younger readers or offend their family. Many terms and phrases are more common in England and American students may not be familiar with them.

~Jim Staten