Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and me, Elizabeth, by e. l. konigsburg

This book was first published in 1967, and won the Newbery Honor medal. It is the story of Elizabeth, an only child who moves to a new town where she struggles to makes friends. Her loneliness is dispelled when she meets Jennifer, an intriguing child who has read Macbeth, never wears jeans or shorts, and never says please or thank you. She states that she is a witch and offers to teach Elizabeth how to be one too. As their friendship develops Elizabeth finds herself doing some unusual tasks, such as eating raw eggs, and coping with some rather strange taboos, (never touch straight pins or needles), on her journey from apprentice to journeyman witch. But gradually she realises that Jennifer is just as lonely as she is, and that the real magic the two share is that of friendship.

This is an imaginative story that explores the themes of loneliness and friendship in an unusual and interesting way. Suitable for ages 8 – 12 years.