Sacred Places

by Jane Yolen, David Shannon (Illustrator)

From such sacred sites as Easter Island and the Mayan temple of Copán to Jerusalem’s Wailing Wall and the Christian cathedrals of Europe, this magnificent collection of poems and paintings captures the essence of twelve holy and magical places throughout the world. A notes section gives information about further research into each of the places.

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books, Childrens, Nonfiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 1996

About the author

Jane Yolen was a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who wrote more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lived in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.

Reviews

[Janice Horning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book to use in the religious education room at Pacific Unitarian Universalist Fellowship!

[Jenna]

I came across this book, completely by accident, about 8 years ago while exploring a tiny little used bookstore. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it and had to have it. Jane Yolen is one of my all time favorite children's authors and this little book of prose is a prime example of why! The author's ability to weave words together about these sacred places is absolutely enchanting, and David Shannon's illustrations aid in the spell cast by Yolen!

[Ariel Ortiz]

After learning about pagan celebrations, "Sacred Places" allows for the focus to shift from scared dates to places in which ritual was practiced. This picture book allows for students to learn about places in the world in which religious ritual are or were practiced. This book also allows for students to understand how places can hold ritualistic meaning and how this has different meaning depending on the sacred place you are examining. As a project, students could be assigned a site from the book and given the opportunity to research and present on it's history.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Jane Yolen. I loved that she picked places from all over the world to write about, and not just sacred places of the Western World. The illustrations were lovely and I loved the more info about the sacred places in the back of the book. I would love to own this book of poetry for children.

[Ruth Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains twelve poems about 12 different sacred places throughout the world. Some recall religious practices of the distant past and some are currently being used by their faithful. The poetry is rich but probably beyond the grasp of most children, even when the additional "Notes" in the back are read and studied.

[Sarah]

You probably don't need another reason to love Jane Yolan, but in case you did, this thoughtful picture book with poems about sacred places around the world is a real gem. Covering all sorts of places, from man made structures to natural wonders, it gives a respectful and wide perspective on world religion that still manages to be child friendly.

[Nielson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poem: "Copan" pg. 13. This was a really neat book that told about sacred places around the world. Each poem tells about an ancient culture/sacred place and their belief in free verse. Copan is all about the Mayan people. The back also has more information about each place. Beautiful illustrations!

[Kris Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of poetry about sacred places all over the world. They include poems about such places as the Wailing Wall in Israel and The Mayan Temples in South and Central America. I think this book is a great place to learn how different people hold different places as sacred.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely poetry combined with beautiful artwork to make a truly spiritual work.

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poetry about interesting sacred places.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful words. Beautiful pictures.