Book Advice

[Rowan CedarWolf]

HI,
I was wondering if anyone knows of any good books on the craft for teens and almost teens? I am talking ages of 12-14 yrs. My daughter and step-daughter are very interested in wicca and they do participate in rituals here with me and my coven, but I am looking for books that are written for them so that they can learn some things on their own and use thier own minds to come to their own conclusions and get their own ideas and find thier own inspirations. I will not purchase or allow them to read "Teen Witch" As I feel that it is just horrible for any adult to recomend a child lie to their parents or to tell a minor how to get away with doing things that they should not be doing. I think the entire book is inappropriate that it basically teaches how to "hoodwink" your parents. So if anyone has any ideas other than this please let me know. Many thanks.

[Gryphon]

It is really impossible to recommend a book for a preteen or young teen without knowing her reading level.

I personally gave my daughter Scott Cunningham's books, plus she has access to any of the books in our own massive collection. She is 12 but reads at college level.

I have a book over at magickware.com called Wild Girls that is written for the prepubescent/new maiden that is part story book part work book.

[Lark]

Here's the best resource I have found for books for kids.

http://www.cog.org/wicca/parents/kidbib.html

-Lark-

[NachtSorcier]

It's not really a children's book, but a book that I really enjoy is Gary Cantrell's "Wiccan Beliefs and Practices."  It is a Wicca 101 book, but with more information than your average 101 lessons; it also covers dealing with physical handicaps during rituals, learning to see the humor in our religion, and knowing your rights as an American Wiccan.  I feel that it is simple enough to read for a 14 year-old, and maybe possibly for a 12 year-old, but I'm not entirely sure.  You may want to check it out and judge for yourself if your children could comprehend it.  Personally, I began reading books similar to this one at the age of 14; I believe I read this particular book for the first time at 15.

[Shadow]

I've done a number of rants on this subject. I personally don't think teens need some sort of special book written for their age level.

They don't need spell books with watered down (or totally lacking) ethics, so I'm glad you are steering clear of Mama $ilver. They don't need someone to "Talk teen" to them either.

What they need is straight talk presented in a manner that gets the point across, and they need plenty of guidance from the adults who are important in their lives. They need to get good information and have access to those adults when they have questions and want to talk.

Most teen books either ignore or gloss over sexuality. This is also a disservice to teens. They are certainly curious about the subject and they will be entering the adult world and having some sort of relationships in a few short years. Shouldn't they enter that world prepared. Again, good info and access to parents and other elders is a must when they have questions.

As for reading levels, I agree with Gryphon up to a point. However, it's a pretty safe bet that most books available at your local bookseller are aimed at about a 7th grade reading level. Some of the more intense ones may be aimed at a 9th grade level. The reason for this is quite simple, money. The publishers know that reading levels in this country are attrosious and the fewer people who can read and undrstand their books the less money they will make. Therefore, they will most likely be able to grasp pretty much anything you bring home. As for any particular parts they are having trouble with, refer to the last paragraph about having access to parents and other elders.

I don't understand this whole movement that seems to be taking place in the pagan world that says that teens should be encouraged to alienate themselves from the adults in their lives. I've gotten into rather heated arguments with many authors of "Teen books" and been called some rather choice names over this issue. What I simply say to any one who writes a teen book and claims it is "the real deal" and better for teens than what is out there is this; Send me a copy of the book, if you want the copy back send a return mailer, I will read the book cover to cover and critique it. However, I will post an honest review, good or bad, when I am done with the book. If the book is what it is claimed to be I will sing its praises, but don't expect me to go softly if it is just another piece of teen witch crap.

So far none of the authors I have made this offer too have wanted to take me up on it.

I would suggest that you start with Larks quite excellent recommended reading list.

[Anonymous]

I was so glad to see "Juniper" and "Wise Child" on this list as well as all of the Patricia McKillip books.  Good stuff!

As for books that deal directly with Wicca, I kind of agree with Shadow in that kids are smart and if nothing else it's a great way to open up a conversation.  Hand them a book that you have read.  Sit down with them and ask if they have questions or if they understand what they are reading.  If they don't then you can go a long way in guiding thier development.  It can get them thinking.  Talk to them about your understanding of what Wicca is, what you believe, and why you believe it.  

Make it an event, with tea and sandwiches on the good china with fabric napkins.  I think that would make an impression on them that this is a path of intention and should be taken a little seriously, but still should be fun.

Schuylar

[Zenon]

"Teen" books... agghh...  Just evaluate what your children know and what they can handle, and start giving them the material you see appropriate.  You can start with a "normal" book, and it they can handle it, give them more stuff, but if they don't get it, get appropriate material.  I think that is a good way.  You're always there for questions, of course.  

[Rowan CedarWolf]

This is pretty much what I have been doing, I just wanted them to have something of thier own, and I don't want it to be as it was for me, "this is what we (your parents) believe and therefore you will too." I thought that if I provided them with resource materials they could use on their own  and written in  a way that makes sense to them at thier age level then they would appreciate it more.  Thanks for the help.

[TheBriarRose]

I have all my pagan/witchcraft books (yes, I'm Christian, but I pride myself on being educated!) on the main shelves in the living room, with the heinlein and all the other family books.  I was never so tickled as the day I saw Scott Cunningham's "Wicca for the Solitary Practicioner" on my 14 year old's bedside table, along with a few other "spell craft" books I have which are more about candle making and herb growing.  I never told her she couldn't read them!