The Witch of Blackbird Pond

Author: Elizabeth George Speare

First line: On a morning in mid-April, 1687, the brigantine Dolphin left the open sea, sailed briskly across the Sound to the wide mouth of the Connecticut River and into Saybrook Harbor.

Why you should read it: This Newberry Medal book tells the story of Katherine Tyler, who must leave her beautiful home in the Barbados and begin a new life among the Puritans in America. Raised by her wealthy grandfather, Kit's politics and religion clash with those in her new home, while her ability to read and swim earn her the suspicion of the community. A classic story of an outsider standing up for herself and her beliefs.

Why you shouldn't read it: You're that sort of humorless literalist who believes unquestioningly that people who think and act differently than you are in league with the devil, and that god wants you to hunt them down and kill them.