Why can't I be like my friend Rachel? Erin thought. Why can't I just believe what she believes? (Seasons of Magic by Laurel Ann Reinhardt, page 2.)
It is difficult being different from your school friends, especially when the difference lies in religion. In Seasons of Magic (Llewellyn Pub., ISBN 1-56718-564-9), author Laurel Ann Reinhardt tackles the acceptance of differences and teaches girls about the seasonal holidays celebrated by Wiccans and Pagans.
In Seasons of Magic, twelve-year-old Erin begins her journey to discover the true meanings behind the seasonal holidays. What makes each holiday special to her and her family?
With the help of her mother's friend, wise Evangeline, Erin begins to explore the meanings of the holidays. She also learns about breathing exercises, caring for the Earth by picking up other people's litter, taking responsibility, and, ultimately, growing up.
Reinhardt also does a tremendous job at showing how the seasons are linked to our lives. How we interact with the world around us, how we can better the planet, and how our personal blossomings and prunings are linked to the seasonal changes are beautifully shown through the actions and words of the characters.
At the end of Seasons of Magic is a workbook. This section of the book teaches more about the Wheel of the Year. It also includes easy activities, such as a walking meditation, that all pre-teens can participate in.
Reinhardt has done a brilliant job at helping Wiccan and Pagan parents teach their daughters about the seasons. Seasons of Magic helps girls understand more about their religion, and it helps girls find the religious acceptance they need, but so rarely receive, from a knowing adult. I can only hope that there will be a similar book for boys in the near future.
