For the reader who feels misunderstood or faces unfair judgment for being different, this story explores finding your voice amidst accusations and community suspicion.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen feels ostracized or judged for being different, especially if they are struggling with intense peer pressure or social exclusion. The Trials of Molly Sheldon tells the story of a sixteen-year-old girl in a small Vermont town who discovers she has psychic healing powers. Instead of being celebrated, her gift sparks fear and suspicion, leading to her family's business being picketed and Molly being accused of witchcraft. The book powerfully explores themes of justice, bravery in the face of prejudice, and the importance of true friendship and self-confidence. Appropriate for older teens (14-18), this story provides a compelling, modern-day allegory for historical witch hunts and the dangers of mob mentality. It's an excellent choice for a teen who is grappling with finding their own voice and standing up for what is right, even when the community around them is hostile. It opens the door for conversations about fairness, rumor, and the courage it takes to embrace what makes you unique.
Deals with themes of social ostracism, loneliness, betrayal, and mob mentality.
Scary ScenesMild
Tense situations involving angry crowds and threats create an atmosphere of psychological peril.
Sensitive Topics
The core sensitive topic is persecution and social ostracism, handled directly through the lens of a modern-day witch hunt. The approach is secular; 'witchcraft' is used as a label for something misunderstood and feared, not as a religious concept. The resolution is hopeful, focusing on Molly's self-acceptance and the community's eventual, if difficult, reckoning with its own prejudice. The book shows that standing up for oneself, with the help of allies, can lead to a positive outcome.
Ideal Reader
This book is for a teen, 14-17, who feels like an outsider or is intensely sensitive to injustice. It is perfect for a reader who has experienced being misunderstood or targeted by a group, and who might be struggling to find the confidence to defend their own unique identity or beliefs. It speaks directly to the feeling of 'the whole world is against me'.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared for the intensity of the mob mentality depicted. The scenes of the townspeople picketing the family store and the verbal accusations are emotionally charged. It might be helpful to frame the book with a brief conversation about how fear of the unknown can make people behave irrationally, drawing parallels to historical events or even current social media trends. The book stands on its own, but this context can deepen understanding. A parent might seek this book after hearing their teen say, "Everyone is turning on me," or, "Why does everyone think I'm weird?" The trigger could be witnessing their child become the subject of a malicious rumor, online bullying, or social shunning by a former friend group.
Age Experience
A younger teen (14-15) will likely connect strongly with the themes of friendship, loyalty, and the unfairness of high-school social dynamics. They will feel Molly's isolation keenly. An older teen (16-18) is more likely to appreciate the broader social commentary on mass hysteria, prejudice, and civil courage, recognizing the story as an allegory for more complex societal issues.
What Makes It Special
While many YA fantasy novels feature protagonists with special powers, this book is unique in its realistic and grounded depiction of the social consequences. The conflict is not against a magical villain, but against the very real, non-magical fear and prejudice of a modern community. This makes it a particularly potent and relatable exploration of what it means to be different.
Read plot summary
Sixteen-year-old Molly Sheldon, living in the small town of Saphouse Junction, Vermont, discovers an incredible and frightening ability: she can heal living things with her hands. When she befriends Eben Wheeler, a newcomer, her secret begins to unravel. Her benign power is misinterpreted by the fearful townspeople, who, fueled by gossip and suspicion, begin to view her as a witch. The situation escalates dramatically, with angry locals picketing her father's general store and Molly facing direct accusations that threaten her safety and her family's livelihood. She must find the courage to confront the town's prejudice and trust in her few loyal friends.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The people of Saphouse Junction turn on Molly out of fear. Can you think of a time, in history or today, where fear of the unknown has caused people to treat others unfairly?
2
Eben is new to town and supports Molly from the beginning. How did his perspective as an outsider allow him to see the situation differently from people who had lived there their whole lives?
3
Molly's power is for healing, but it is perceived as something dangerous. Why do you think her good intentions were so easily twisted into something negative by the townspeople?
4
If you discovered you had a power like Molly's, would you try to hide it or would you use it to help others, even with the risks? What would influence your decision?
5
Molly's father loses business because of the accusations against his daughter. Discuss the pressure he was under to control Molly versus his decision to support her.
