Witness
It is 1924, and a small Vermont town finds itself under siege--by the Ku  Klux Klan. Using free verse, Newbery Medal-winning author Karen Hesse (Out of the Dust) allows 11  unique and memorable voices to relate the story of the Klan's steady  infiltration into the conscience of a small, Prohibition-era community. The  Klan's "all-American" philosophy is at first embraced by several of the town's  influential men, including Constable Parcelle Johnson and retailer Harvey  Pettibone. But Harvey's sensible wife, Viola, and independent restaurant owner  Iris Weaver suspect from the beginning that the Klan's arrival heralds trouble.  As the only African Americans in town, 12-year old Leonora Sutter and her father  try to escape Klan scrutiny, while 6-year-old, city-born Esther Hirsch remains  blissfully unaware of the Klan's prejudice against Jews as she enjoys the  Vermont countryside. And Sara Chickering, the lady farmer who has opened her  home to Esther and her father, is torn between her own hidden biases and her  growing love for Esther.All, however, are galvanized towards action when a shadowy figure shoots at  Esther and her father right through Sara's front door. Who would commit such an  evil act? And is it too late to remove the poison that has insidiously leaked  into their once tight-knit community? Part mystery, part social commentary,  Hesse's historically accurate chronicle is a riveting catalyst for discussion  that thoughtfully explores race and identity from every possible point of view.  The free verse format and distinct characterizations also makeWitnessa  perfect choice for library or classroom reader's theater productions. (Ages 12  and older)--Jennifer Hubert--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.