Witches and Magic: Investigating History's Mysteries (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781918709247)

Across history, people have told stories about witches. Witches and Magic explores these tales through global traditions and real historical accounts.

Readers learn about ancient healers, Greek enchantresses, Roman owl witches, and Aztec vampire witches who were said to transform into animals at night. The book examines Hopi and Nyakyusa beliefs, Japanese mountain witches, Swedish Easter traditions, and terrifying figures such as boo hags and skinwalkers. It also investigates well known cases, including Mother Shipton, Marie Laveau, and the Bell Witch, and explains how fear and misunderstanding led to witch hunts and trials in Europe and North America. The final chapter looks at modern witchcraft and Wiccan practices.

Designed for middle school readers, the book uses clear explanations and high interest stories to support critical thinking about folklore, cultural beliefs, and the ways people have tried to understand strange or frightening events.