Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley and Me, Elizabeth

Post date: Jun 12, 2014 3:08:39 AM

I don't want to just talk about books that are new. I recently picked up Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley and Me, Elizabeth by E.L. Konigsburg. This book was named a Newbery Honor book in 1968. Strikes against this book being read by children: The title is strange. It is an "old" book and the cover is UGLY. However, I really, really liked this book. I think many of our 3rd-5th graders would enjoy this title, too.

Elizabeth has moved to a town outside of New York City. She feels all alone in the world as a 5th grader at William McKinley Elementary school until Jennifer "picks" her to be her apprentice witch. They meet each Saturday at the library (yeah, libraries!) and then go to the park to take part in their "rituals". Jennifer has very specific things for Elizabeth to do and not do throughout the week as she trains to be a witch. Jennifer never speaks to Elizabeth at school and leaves her notes on a tree to communicate. Elizabeth doesn't even know where Jennifer lives or really anything else about her. What exactly does Elizabeth have to do? Is Jennifer successful in turning Elizabeth into a witch? Will they ever become "normal" friends?

You need to read Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley and Me, Elizabeth for a fun story of friendship.