Witness

Karen Hesse's "Witness" is a poignant verse novel that transports readers to a small Vermont town in the early 1920s. The narrative unfolds through a collection of poems, each offering a unique perspective from various townspeople as the Ku Klux Klan attempts to establish a presence. Central to the story are the experiences of a young Black girl and a young Jewish girl, whose lives are directly impacted by the rising tide of prejudice and fear. This book is ideal for upper elementary and middle school readers, offering a sensitive yet unflinching look at a difficult period in American history, fostering discussions about discrimination, community, and the importance of standing up for justice.

A series of poems express the views of various people in a small Vermont town, including a young black girl and a young Jewish girl, during the early 1920s when the Ku Klux Klan is trying to infiltrate the town.