The Invisible World
Gr 7 Up-Elsabeth James is a teenager in 1690s England, the daughter of a scientist who through research and investigation tries to find the scientific explanation of the supernatural ability his daughter possesses. She exhibits clairvoyant powers much like her grandmother and great-grandmother, who were persecuted as witches. Wanting to avoid this fate, he and his family set off for America, only to encounter turbulent travels resulting in a shipwreck. Elsabeth is washed ashore on an island off the coast of South Carolina during the heat of summer. She is nurtured back to health by its inhabitants, slaves from Africa who are on their own during the hottest months. She falls in love with Aakif, but upon the return of the plantation owner, she is sent away to Salem, Massachusetts, to be an indentured servant for Reverend Parris. On the boat, Elsabeth discovers that her governess also survived the shipwreck and is onboard in a coma. She feels that Bronwyn's spirit has been lost and in trying to help her, evil is unleashed on Salem. An increase of supernatural events leads to the arrest of many young women accused of witchcraft, including Elsabeth. She must find a way out before more young girls lose their lives. Several historical figures are introduced, but without an author's note it is difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. Readers with a background in the time period will appreciate more fully the racial boundaries involved as well as the facts and theories involving microbiology to partially explain the supernatural. Although the historical aspects of the novel are not clarified, readers can enjoy it as a paranormal adventure.-Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SDα(c) Copyright 2011.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.