The Witches of Willowmere

Mary St. Onge-Davidson is president of the Essential English Centre in
Ottawa.

Sixteen-year-old Claire finds herself somewhat isolated after the
mysterious disappearance of her mother. Although many of her peers are
exploring aspects of the supernatural, it is not until Claire is invited
by Dr. Myra Moore to visit her home, Willowmere that Claire begins to
learn about Wicca and witchcraft. Given the opportunity to delve into
the artifacts and books at Willowmere, Claire begins to sense that Dr.
Moore has supernatural abilities. Meanwhile, Claire is threatened by
fellow student Josie Sloan, who has begun to make her own (darker)
supernatural abilities known.

This is not a run-of-the-mill teen witchcraft story. Alison Baird
weaves her considerable knowledge of Wicca, feminist spirituality, and
the goddess movement into an exciting and unusual witchcraft adventure
that is ultimately about good versus evil. The first of a three-part
series, The Witches of Willowmere is a welcome addition to all public
and school libraries. Highly recommended.