The Witches of Worm
| Company type | Young adult novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Founder | Zilpha Keatley Snyder |
| Products | Book |
The Witches of Worm is a young adult novel written by Zilpha Keatley Snyder in 1972, which earned a Newbery Honor distinction the following year.
Plot
Jessica, an isolated pre-adolescent girl, discovers a blind kitten with sparse fur, whom she names Worm. With assistance from a withdrawn neighbor named Mrs. Fortune, Jessica cares for the animal. Worm begins to exert a troubling influence over Jessica, prompting her to act aggressively toward those who have upset her, including her former close friend Brandon and her emotionally detached mother, who is divorced. As Jessica's harmful actions intensify, her mother arranges professional help, which only serves to deepen Jessica’s resentment.
Convinced that Worm is under the control of witches such as Mrs. Fortune, Jessica considers extreme measures but ultimately opts to perform an exorcism on Worm herself. During a tense stormy night, she carries out the ritual, after which Worm returns to normal behavior. This event leads to Jessica mending her relationships with both her mother and Brandon, reflecting her own emotional growth.
Reception
Kirkus Reviews commended the book for its empathetic portrayal of a troubled child’s anxieties through a supernatural lens. Common Sense Media noted its strong appeal for readers who enjoy mystery narratives. A 1972 review in the New York Times praised Snyder’s skillful blending of realistic and fantastical elements.
Controversy
Due to its themes involving witchcraft, vivid depictions of Jessica’s visions and nightmares, and unsettling internal conversations between Jessica and Worm or herself, the novel has often been banned in American school libraries.