Witness by Karen Hesse

This story proved to me again why Karen Hesse is such a great author. As I've mentioned before, I am a fan of historical fiction, and this particular account stretches the limits of historical fiction. In a small Vermont town in the mid 1920s, the Ku Klux Klan, a group embracing white supremacy, has entered the town's realm of everyday events. Some people join in on the Klans "cause," some remain neutral, and some serve as the opposition. The Ku Klux Klan's impact is felt throughout the community. Leanora, a 12-year-old African American girl, and Esther, a 6-year-old Jewish girl are the main victims of the Ku Klux Klan. The town's different responses to the Ku Klux Klan's presence gives insight into the handling of prejudice and discrimination.

The effectiveness of this story comes from the 11 different narrators. Too often we are blinded by one unfolding of history. However, by Hesse choosing to progress the story through 11 viewpoints, we gain an insight into the motivations, the hesitations, and the thoughts rumbling through the character's mind. Written in free poetic verse, the story switches often between narrators, but there is this linking thread holding all of the stories together. The extremist, clergyman Johnny Reeves, has radical ideas as he embraces his KKK identity. Even within the same family, Harvey and Viola Pettibone disagree about the KKK's tactics and its morality. Harvey represents the man who becomes absorbed by the group mentality of the KKK, which can prove to be dangerous and lead to questionable actions. Others like newspaper editor, Reynard Alexander, and doctor, Fitzgerald Flitt, try to remain neutral amidst the divisiveness caused by the KKK. Since there are 11 narrators, it is a bit tricky to keep all of the narrators straight, but luckily, there is a character page at the front of the novel that I referred to often when I was just getting to know the characters.

One of my favorite people in the story was Merlin Van Tornhout who at first embraces the KKK identity. However, as the story progresses, he internalizes his humanity and questions his loyalty to the KKK. He observes, for example, Leanora Sutter saving Esther Hirsh from an oncoming train. When the Klan asks him to pour poison into the Sutter's well, he realizes the extremity of that action. His depth as a character shows his growing understanding about race, religion, group mentality, and his own humanity.

I feel that Witness is a significant book to bring into the classroom. Many mature themes arise that require open dialogue about prejudice and discrimination. This book does mention lynchings, burning crosses, and other hate and scare tactics the KKK used to show their power and commitment to white supremacy. Therefore, I feel as though 5th or 6th grade would be the earliest I would feel comfortable introducing this book. This book would be a valuable teaching tool in the classroom because often we think of the Ku Klux Klan only residing in the south. Yet, based on Hesse's research, she discovered this was not the case and wanted to reveal a forgotten history. In places like Vermont, the KKK reigned and were present even in the 1920s. This story will make students consider the prejudice that still exists in today's society and examine thmselves. Students will also consider ways to enact change. In any situation, as in this Vermont town, people have different responses to a crisis. Some peopleexhibit previously unknown courage. Still, we are flawed. This story highlights the fact that we're all human. It's up to us to handle adversity and conflicts the best way we know how.