finished Once a Witch

Well, I just finished reading Once a Witch, by Carolyn MacCullough. It is a good feeling. The book was listed on VoYA's Top Shelf Fiction for 2009, and because the story involves witchcraft, I thought it would be good to read it with a school librarian's eye--with particular caution to determine if this book would be a likely candidate for future challenges. I have had to squeeze reading this book between the other readings and assignments I have had to do for my classes, so it has taken me a while to read. I would agree with the reviews I've read that it is a well-written book, intended for young adult readers. In the search for objectionable content, I found just a few curse words, mild references to sexual innuendo, and vague descriptions of rituals involved in witchcraft. Overall, I do not see much that a parent would boldy fight against, although I do not think I would choose it to read in the classroom in a group because of the language. There is an overall good verses evil, black vs. white magic theme, with the heroine representing the cause of good. The main character is somewhat of a misfit in her own family and later sees her true potential; the character is easily identifiable with the YA audience. Also, the action lends itself well to future books in a series. Frankly, I was hoping for a little more drama in the censorship department, but it just wasn't there, in my opinion. Maybe if the discussion of witchcraft were more prominent or more bold, there would be more controversy, but I just don't see it happening. The amount of witchcraft is suitable for the story without taking over, and there is just enough magic and fantasy to keep the reader interested.