Books for Pagan Children: Teens (M-S)

It can be difficult to find books for your Pagan children to read. You want books that teach them your values, and maybe something close to your beliefs and traditions.

I have compiled a list of good books by great authors. Many are outright Pagan. Some are Pagan in flavor or Pagan-friendly. I am noting when the author is Pagan to encourage support of Pagan authors and artists.

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• Mabon: Celebrating the Autumn Equinox by Kristin Madden (Non-Fiction)
  This book explores the history, legends, and traditions of the season that is honored from the Far East to the Celtic Lands, and from Scandinavia to South America. Create your own Mabon tradition with the help of the book's many recipes, magical workings, equinox rituals, and crafts for all ages.

• Mi's Search for Beauty by Kyrja (Fantasy) *PAGAN*
  In a time and land when death is regarded as the “Realms Beyond,” where surviving children are expected to offer their prayers and services so their ancestors may reach the “Golden Realm of Light,” spirits are known to cause havoc for their own means. Sooshay and Keylei, both disdainful of the stifling moors of their traditional culture have forgotten this lesson, so are caught painfully unaware when their sixth daughter, Mi, is born. Five daughters were foretold; no more and no less, with no sons. The terrifying changes this sixth daughter unwittingly brings with her touches each member of her family. Ignorant of his own role in the chaos that follows, Sooshay seeks the advice of a mysterious old family friend, placing Mi and all of her sisters in danger.

• Midsummer: Magical Celebrations of the Summer Solstice by Anna Franklin (Non-Fiction)
  Midsummer is one of the most ancient, widespread, and joyful Pagan festivals. The sun rises to the height of its power on the summer solstice, and Midsummer Eve is filled with fairy mischief and magic. Anna Franklin reveals the origins and customs of this enchanting holiday.

• Ostara: Customs, Spells & Rituals for the Rites of Spring by Edain McCoy (Non-Fiction) *PAGAN*
  Embrace Ostara as a point of balance in your life, a moment in time where both dark and light and night and day are in harmony before the light is victorious and carries us on to the bounty of summer pleasures. Ostara is packed with rituals, spells, recipes, crafts, and customs to celebrate the awakening earth.

• Price of Beauty, The by Kyrja (Fantasy) *PAGAN*
  Majo had been the Gatekeeper for more than 700 years, guiding souls into the Realms Beyond and keeping the demons from the land of the living, before tricking the young Mi into taking her place. Eager to earn entry into the Golden Realm of Light, five spirits of Mi’s long-dead ancestors had aided Majo in manipulating each of her sisters in turning her into a freak. Majo’s plan went awry, though, when the sisters used the terrible gifts of their ancestors’ power to transform Mi, but left her with a narrow way in which she might redeem herself.

• Sending of Dragons,A (Pit Dragon Chronicles) by Jane Yolen (Fantasy)
  Jakkin and his girlfriend, Akki, discover a primitive cult that sacrifices dragons.

• Serpent in the Throat, and Other Pagan Tales, The by Rebecca Buchanan (Fiction) *PAGAN*
  This anthology - the second following A Witch Among Wolves, and Other Pagan Tales - continues the tradition of Pagan authors writing Pagan tales for a Pagan audience. "Black Leopard" is a contemporary magical realism tale centering on Dionysus, while "Crossroads" finds a young girl voicing a heartfelt prayer to Hekate. "Hysthaany" follows a small community of Sekhmet devotees into outer space on a mission of mercy, while "Mr. West" finds Osiris paying a visit to a modern-day mortician. "Seeds" is set in a dystopian future of environmental degradation, while the title story, "The Serpent in the Throat," is an adventure-horror tale set in ancient Canaan.

• Sister Light, Sister Dark by Jane Yolen (Fantasy)
  Legend foretold the child named Jenna, who was three-times orphaned before she could crawl, a fate that would leave her in the hands of women who worshipped the benevolent goddess Great Alta. In this world without men, Jenna comes of age, learning quickly the skills of close combat. But her most powerful gift lies elsewhere: a mirror sister who emerges only in the darkness—a twin named Skada—and shares the soul of the young, white-haired warrior who might well be the goddess reborn. But if Jenna is, in truth, the one whose coming is awaited, there is cause for great alarm among those who rule the Dales, for the prophecy speaks of upheaval and change, and a devastating end of all things.

• SpellCraft for Teens: A Magickal Guide to Writing & Casting Spells by Gwinevere Rain (Non-Fiction)
  Empower, bewitch, and enchant. Written by a teen witch with her own popular website, SpellCraft for Teens contains fifty-five chants and incantations. In addition, it provides a twelve-step guide to casting a magick circle, an in-depth look at the moon phases, and the magical properties of colors, herbs, and charms. From finding a craft name to performing the three types of love spells, SpellCraft for Teensaddresses issues specific to young adults, including telling parents about their interest in Wicca and dealing with gossiping classmates.

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Books for Pagan Children: Parenting (R-W)

It can be difficult to find books for your Pagan children to read. You want books that teach them your values, and maybe something close to your beliefs and traditions.

I have compiled a list of good books by great authors. Many are outright Pagan. Some are Pagan in flavor or Pagan-friendly. I am noting when the author is Pagan to encourage support of Pagan authors and artists.

Previous

• Raising Witches: Teaching The Wiccan Faith To Children by Ashleen O'Gaea (Non-Fiction) *PAGAN*
  This is the first book that gives parents the means to teach their children Wicca in a more formal fashion. Featuring a Wiccan curriculum for each of the five age groups from infancy to young adulthood, O'Gaea shows parents how to effectively weave Wicca into a child's natural progression of learning.

• Sacred Seasons: Celebrating Nature Spirituality as a Family by October's Autumn Child (Non-Fiction)
  For those of us that embrace the theology of mysticism, Nature-based spirituality, or polytheism finding fun, enriching ways to involve our children in our beliefs can be challenging. In this book I have created a section for each of the eight most celebrated holidays of modern pagan faith. Each section includes some folklore and origins, alternative names, activities, crafts, recipes, decorations and much more for each season. There are also miscellaneous patterns and decorations.

• Starbright--Meditations for Children by Maureen Garth (Activity)
  Driven by the desire to help her three-year-old daughter settle down into a peaceful night's sleep, Maureen Garth devised meditations that would help her daughter feel secure and cared for. Starbright is a collection of the stories Garth created as her child grew older. These innovative meditations are simple visualizations parents and teachers can read to their children to help them sleep, develop concentration, awaken creativity, and learn to quiet themselves.

• WiccaCraft for Families by Margie McArthur (Non-Fiction) *PAGAN*
  This is a complete in-depth handbook covering all aspects of Wicca written for family use. It covers not only the Sabbats and other Circle workings but also Passages (birth, puberty, marriage, ageing and death), Home Blessing, Spirit Quests and more. Basic information is also provided on pets, plants and gardening, crystals and herbs oriented towards younger children. Each Sabbat chapter first presents the philosophy and traditional customs for that festival and then gives a selection of appropriate music (words and musical notation), recipes and family activities. Following this is a family ritual/play.

• With Child: Wisdom and Traditions for Pregnancy, Birth, and Motherhood by Deborah Jackson (Non-Fiction)
  Beautifully illustrated with over 150 paintings and drawings, With Child celebrates the wonder of pregnancy and motherhood. Drawing on the vast, inherited body of wisdom of mothers around the world, expert Deborah Jackson has translated ancient rituals and myths into practical knowledge that will instruct and encourage mothers (and fathers too). With Childtakes us around the world and through the ages in a fascinating presentation of panhuman maternal wisdom. With Child is the perfect gift for mothers and mothers-to-be, a beautiful and unique volume to be treasured and shared by all parents.

Books for Pagan Children: Middle School/Tween (S-W)

It can be difficult to find books for your Pagan children to read. You want books that teach them your values, and maybe something close to your beliefs and traditions.

I have compiled a list of good books by great authors. Many are outright Pagan. Some are Pagan in flavor or Pagan-friendly. I am noting when the author is Pagan to encourage support of Pagan authors and artists.

Previous

• Seasons of Magic: A Girl's Journey by Laurel Ann Reinhardt (Fiction)
  As Erin watches the Wheel of the Year turn, she discovers that the changing seasons also mirror changes in her relationship with her inner self and those around her. This heartwarming tale of one girl's magical journey will delight readers of all ages. Along the way you will discover lessons about Imbolc (February 2, a time of returning light); Spring Equinox (March 20, promises of spring); Beltaine (May 1, the sowing of seeds); Summer Solstice (June 21, the fullness of summer); Lammas (August 2, the first harvest); Fall Equinox (September 21, the full harvest); Samhain (October 31, the season of ancestors); and Yule (December 21, a celebration of the darkness of winter).  Seasons of Magic also includes a journal with questions to help you further explore the seasonal festivals and design your own celebrations.

• Spellcraft: a Primer for the Young Magician by Lilith McLelland (Non-Fiction)
  A book of magical empowerment for kids and young teens, SPELLCRAFT tells you how to tap into your own magical powers to improve your life and give you confidence -- safely and easily. It covers the basics of magic and meditation, teaches you how to get in touch with your inner powers, and what magic really is. You'll explore spells for homework, for controlling your temper, for personal protection, spells to shield yourself from bad energy, and more. You'll also learn about magical colors, crystals and herbs, making magic charms and wands, working with guardian spirits, and earth magic. Most importantly, you'll learn about people, spirits and techniques to avoid! This is an easy-to-understand book, designed to help kids develop a sense of personal power and the responsibility that goes with it.

• Walk When the Moon Is Full by Frances Hamerstrom (Non-Fiction)
  The author describes thirteen moonlight walks with her children and the nature observations they made.

• What's Your Sign? A Cosmic Guide for Young Astrologers by Madalyn Aslan (Non-Fiction)
  What's Your Sign? is beautifully color-illustrated, and includes a spinner wheel on the back cover which uncovers each sign's basics, tabs down the side of the book to easily find each sun sign chapter, and a 14" x 18" fold-out poster of all the signs.

• Witch Crafts: 101 Projects for Creative Pagans by Willow Polson (Activity)
  Whether you're a novice crafter into Norse lore or a practicing Pagan in need of personal tips on Celtic leatherwork, this handy, easy-to-use book will charm you and your entire family. The enchanting designs represent authentic Pagan lore and culture, and can be used for both practical and sacred purposes. Learn how to make a variety of unique items to delight all the senses.

• Witch of Blackbird Pond, The by Elizabeth George Speare (Fiction)
  Orphaned Kit Tyler knows, as she gazes for the first time at the cold, bleak shores of Connecticut Colony, that her new home will never be like the shimmering Caribbean island she left behind. In her relatives' stern Puritan community, she feels like a tropical bird that has flown to the wrong part of the world, a bird that is now caged and lonely. The only place where Kit feels completely free is in the meadows, where she enjoys the company of the old Quaker woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond, and on occasion, her young sailor friend Nat. But when Kit's friendship with the "witch" is discovered, Kit is faced with suspicion, fear, and anger. She herself is accused of witchcraft!

Books for Pagan Children: Elementary (P-S)

Previous

It can be difficult to find books for your Pagan children to read. You want books that teach them your values, and maybe something close to your beliefs and traditions.

I have compiled a list of good books by great authors. Many are outright Pagan. Some are Pagan in flavor or Pagan-friendly. I am noting when the author is a confirmed Pagan to encourage support of Pagan authors and artists. If you know an author is Pagan, but they aren't marked as such, send me a message and I will correct it.

• Pagan Children's Workbook by Lady Eliana (Activity) *PAGAN*
  A resource for modern Pagan, Wiccan, and Craft parents to help their children learn about our religion. The Pagan Children's Workbook will guide children through learning about topics such as the Elements, the Goddess and God, and the Wheel of the Year.

• Pagan Kids' Activity Book by Amber K (Activity) *PAGAN*
  This book is a great book for kids between about 6 and 12. It can be looked at on several levels. On one level, it's a coloring book kids can fill in which has pictures of a number of pagan principles and archetypes. On another level this book is a tool a parent can use to discuss the more complicated aspects of human religions and how tolerance is important for all the paths that we as humans walk. The book has pages which include: moon phases, what a worship circle is and means to a pagan, aspects of the Goddess and the God, various pagan symbols and their meanings, a discussion of the various pagan holidays (focusing mostly on Celtic/Wicca ones), and discusses the Wiccan Rede. As well there are mazes, games, and puzzles for kids to do.

• Paganism For Kiddos: A Kids and Parents' Guideto Pagan and Wiccan Practice by JessicaM. Hauptmann (Non-Fiction) *PAGAN*
  This delightful introduction to Paganism and earth-centered practice is the perfect start for those who wish to learn about the ways of our ancestors. Written for children, the simple language throughout each page makes this book suitable for all ages and is a stepping stone for further detailed reading in dark green religions and The Craft. Kids will love to read this little book, just right for their little hands, and will deepen their understanding of their parents' Pagan path.

• Puck of Pook's Hill by Rudyard Kipling (Fantasy)
  Originally published in 1906, these ten stories and accompanying poems were intended for both adults and children. On Midsummer's Eve, Dan and Una enact A Midsummer Night's Dream three times over--right under Pook's Hill. That is how they meet Puck, ''the oldest Old Thing in England,'' and the last of the People of the Hills. Through Puck, they are introduced to the nearly forgotten pages of old England's history and to characters that can illuminate their own historical predicaments. The god Weland is freed from an unwanted heathen immortality by a novice monk, Hugh, who goes on to become a warrior and leader. The centurion, Parnesius, shows an insight that is absent from the higher echelons of the declining Roman Empire in cooperating with the Picts.

• Seven-Day Magic by EdwardEager (Fantasy)
  All books are magic, but some are more magical than others. When Susan opens a strange library book, she discovers it is about her and her friends, leading up to the moment when she opened the book. Beyond that, the pages are blank… waiting for the children to wish the book full of adventures. Fredericka asks for wizards and beasties, and a dragon carries her off. Susan journeys to the world of Half Magic, and finds that mixing magic creates trouble—far too much to deal with before the book is due back at the library. Wishing, it seems, is a tricky business. And if the children make the wrong wish, their adventure won't end, as all stories must, happily ever after.

• Shanleya's Quest: A Botany Adventure for Kids by Thomas J. Elpel (Fantasy)
  In a mythical world where time is a liquid that falls as rain upon the land, young Shanleya paddles her canoe out to the tree islands to learn the plant traditions of her people. Each island is home to a separate family of plants and an unforgettable Guardian with lessons to teach about the identification and uses of those plants. Shanleya's Quest is a truly unique educational book that presents botanical concepts and plant identification skills in an easy and fun metaphorical format for children as well as for adults who are young at heart.

• Shiva's Fire by SuzanneFisher Staples (Fantasy)
  From her childhood, Parvati is known in her village for the extraordinary events that seem to spring from her dancing feet, and which set her and her family apart. One day a great guru, a master of Indian classical dance, comes to see Parvati. He invites her to study with him, and she commits herself to a rigorous program of dance, study, and devotion. Then she meets a gentle-eyed boy who turns her life upside down, and she learns that destiny can be an elusive thing.

• Shortest Day, The: Celebrating the WinterSolstice by Wendy Pfeffer (Non-Fiction)
  The beginning of winter is marked by the solstice, the shortest day of the year. Long ago, people grew afraid when each day had fewer hours of sunshine than the day before. Over time, they realized that one day each year the sun started moving toward them again. In lyrical prose and cozy illustrations, this book explains what the winter solstice is and how it has been observed by various cultures throughout history. Many contemporary holiday traditions were borrowed from ancient solstice celebrations. Simple science activities, ideas for celebrating the day in school and at home, and a further-reading list are included.

• Solstice Tree for Jenny, A by Karen Shragg (Fiction)
  It's Christmas time all across America and Jenny is feeling left out. Her secular parents, born to different faiths that they no longer observe, don't believe in celebrating Christmas. All around her the neighbors have decorated their houses with festive lights, while her house by contrast looks drab and uninviting during the long, cold winter nights. Why does her family have to be different? She talks with her mom and dad about their reasons for not observing the holidays.

• Stories for a Fragile Planet: Traditional TalesAbout Caring for the Earth by KennethSteven (Fiction)
  Sourced from around the world and through the ages, this is a collection of world stories that each reflect humanity's need to take care of the world that sustains them. Tales from ancient Greece, the Far East, the Celts, Africa, Greenland, Russia, China, Japan, South America, and ancient Israel afford wonderful opportunities for Jane Ray's paradisiacal paintings of trees and flowers, animals and birds—in short, all creation. The theme combines tradition with contemporary urgency, and children will gain knowledge of other cultures that share their planet, while enjoying the evocative words and astonishing pictures.

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Books for Pagan Children: Preschool (S-T)

Previous

It can be difficult to find books for your Pagan children to read. You want books that teach them your values, and maybe something close to your beliefs and traditions.

I have compiled a list of good books by great authors. Many are outright Pagan. Some are Pagan in flavor or Pagan-friendly. I am noting when the author is a confirmed Pagan to encourage support of Pagan authors and artists. If you know an author is Pagan, but they aren't marked as such, send me a message and I will correct it.

• Samhain: All-in-One Pagan Studies for Children by One Tree International (Non-Fiction) *PAGAN*
  
  In each of our “All-in-One Pagan Studies for Children” books you’ll discover a pagan based program on a particular subject as well as creative ideas for classes and projects with kids ages 4 to 12. SAMHAIN discusses the history of the holiday, its celebrations, and its ties to Halloween and All Saints Day and All Soul’s Day. The “All-in-One Pagan Studies for Children” books will have you ready to teach creative Pagan-based lessons your kids will love. Each lesson is chucked with history, activities, and philosophy from the ancient pagan cultures. The lessons do not follow a particular pagan tradition but are based in the similarities of pagan traditions so that the teacher can customize the teachings to their particular tradition.

• Serendipity by Stephen Cosgrove (Fantasy)
  
  A large sea creature discovers she has important work to do as guardian of all the seas.

• Spring Equinox, The by Ellen Jackson (Non-Fiction) *PAGAN*
  
  Presents facts and folklore about the spring equinox, a day that has been filled with magic since ancient times.

• Spring's Sprung by Lynn Plourde (Fantasy)
  
  Sisters March, April, and May begin quarreling as soon as they awake from their long winter's sleep. They are so busy competing with each other that they have forgotten that it's their job to make the world blossom into springtime.

• Strega Nona: Her Story by Tomie dePaola (Fantasy)
  
  Tomie dePaola serves as "biographer" to his delightful Italian sorceress, Strega Nona, in this beautifully drawn prequel. The tale begins with little Nona's birth on a dark and stormy night, and ends where the original Strega Nona picks up-with Strega Nona taking on the bumbling, knock-kneed Big Anthony as an apprentice. This winsome story is illustrated throughout with Tomie dePaola's warm and sunny watercolors!

• Strega Nona Meets Her Match by Tomie dePaola (Fantasy)
  
  A rival puts Strega Nona out of the healing business, until Big Anthony's assistance inadvertently sabotages the newcomer in his usual well-meaning way.

• Strega Nona Takes a Vacation by Tomie dePaola (Fantasy)
  
  Lately, Strega Nona has been distracted-she even gave Signore Mayor the wrong remedy for his headache. One night Nona has a dream about her Grandma Concetta, who has been in heaven for many years, and her little house at the seashore. Nona decides that she will take a vacation there. While Strega Nona is away, Bambolona will do the daily remedies and Big Anthony will do the chores. With these two left in charge, what could possibly go wrong?

• Strega Nona's Magic Lessons by Tomie dePaola (Fantasy)
  
  The popular Big Anthony tries once again to use Strega Nona’s magic with the usual hilarious and disastrous results.

• Summer Solstice, The by Ellen Jackson (Non-Fiction) *PAGAN*
  
  From ancient times to the present, people have found many ways to express their thankfulness for the sun's gift of warmth and light. THE SUMMER SOLSTICE depicts the mysterious rites of the Egyptians, the tales of fairies and selkies, the modern parades and baseball games--all part of the fun and folklore of this happy time.

• Summer's Vacation by Lynn Plourde (Fantasy)
  
  Vibrant, sunny Summer is too busy having fun shaping sand castles, jumping in the waves, gobbling berries, and camping under a blanket of stars to do her chores. But it's not until she hikes to the top of a mountain and sees the dull, parched land below, that she realizes what she has done. Summer grabs her sprinkling can. Is she too late to make amends?

• Sun Song by Jean Marzollo (Fiction)
  
  The sun greets everyone and everything. It paints the sky with glorious colors. Marzollo's hymn to the sun, rich with vivid images of the natural world, is captured perfectly in the radiant paintings of Regan, who renders the profound effect of the sun with joy and reverence.

• Tree Of Life, The: The Wonders Of Evolution by Ellen Jackson (Non-Fiction) *PAGAN*
  
  The Tree of Life shares the excitement and the beauty of evolution in an easy-to-read and fun manner. From the ocean's microscopic life to amphibians, reptiles, dinosaurs, insects, birds, animals, and the first humans, author Ellen Jackson celebrates the marvels of evolution in a way that encourages young children to appreciate its significance.

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