Did you know that turnip-carving is a Celtic tradition that predates pumpkin-carving? Shadows: Visible and Invisible is a young adult anthology that will engage and entertain teenagers while teaching them about the importance of praying for the dead. 

Even the Souls in Purgatory will agree that this fiction is a rare and much needed find. Any book that inspires prayers for the faithfully departed is a winner, and this collection has seven unique stories sure to inspire teens to practice spiritual acts of mercy.

Readers will enjoy contemporary, historical, dystopian, science fiction, and speculative stories about the triduum of Allhallowtide while being chilled by graves robbed, mysterious lights, ghosts, shape-shifters, zombies and dinosaurs. These stories are less of the spooky kind, and more of the mystery-solving and suspense sort. Parents can be at ease, knowing that there is very little gore and no demonic horror. There is even a soul cake recipe at the back to add to these souling adventures.

Which story do you think your teenager will find most appealing?

Grace and the Grave Robber by Leslea Wahl, (contemporary)—  A robbery turned assault, a fatal car crash and a missing gift show teenager Grace the power of prayer.  Interweaved are the Celtic traditions of souling, turnip-carving, apple bobbing, cornhusk dolls and crosses. 

The Bogey in the Belfrey by Carolyn Astfalk, (historical)— It all started with a storm, delicious soul cakes and Polish holy cards. Now, Irish superstitions, disgusting smells and a mysterious light keep William coming back to St. Columba’s belfry. 

A Very Jurassic Hallowtide by Corinna Turner, (dystopian)— Baby t-rex on the prowl, the bone of a murdered human, shrines for the deceased, and an apparition (based on a true story) set the stage for questions about purgatory and the worthy sacrifice of fasting.

Lucy and the Forbidden Secret by Antony B. Kolenc, (historical)— A misguided act of kindness based on superstition, a candle for the dead and sneaking out into the darkness beyond the walls of the Abbey lead to the revelation of a heartbreaking secret.

Helpless by Theresa Linden, (contemporary)— Vanessa wants to prove to the world that she doesn’t need help from anyone, but when she gets stuck in a cemetery and sees a dead family member, she realizes that even the dead need help. 

At the End of His Tether by Marie C. Keiser, (science fiction)— Philip just wants to be part of the crew. Will he risk his life bringing the paper flowers and maintenance supplies to the cemetery on All Souls’ Day? Or will he lose his tether and be forever lost to deep space?

The Far End of the Cemetery by T.M. Gaouette, (speculative)— Every All Souls’ Day, billions of souls ask themselves the same thing: “is today the day?”.  They watch as devout families arrive at the cemeteries. They watch as fellow souls shed their shadows, attain their glory and ascend to heaven. They wait and hope that the next prayer will be for them. Is today the day that they will see God? 

At the end of each story, the authors share additional details about the symbolism in their stories, adding to the richness found in Allhallowtide. In these notes, readers will learn that November is the month dedicated to the dead, and indulgences may be gained for visiting a cemetery on All Souls’ Day and the week following.  They learn that purgatory is a dogma found in the Scriptures and described in visions of the saints. One author even challenges us to pray often for the dead, even to make up for the neglect of this practice.  Included is the Saint Gertrude prayer and the Eternal Rest prayer. 

I recommend this book to families and individuals who want to add to their traditions of Allhallowtide and encourage a life-long devotion for praying for the poor souls.