Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

We All Have Sacred Spaces is an educational picture book for children written by Rev. Dr. Vicki Michela Garlock. The author introduces her subject with a discussion about how people may speak different languages and have different personalities. They may have different belief systems also known as “religions or faith traditions.” And each of these systems may have sacred spaces, places where adherents can congregate, pray, or meditate. Some are found in nature and natural places, while others are in buildings. All have importance to those who believe in that system. She surveys sacred spaces beginning with indigenous sites and discusses the ceremonies and rituals of indigenous peoples. Garlock then gives the reader an overview of sacred spaces of established religions. She also includes discussions of each religious system, the architecture of its special spaces, its practices, and beliefs. Garlock concludes with a series of Thought Questions, a glossary of terms, Additional Suggestions for visiting or researching sacred spaces, and a bibliography.

Rev. Dr. Vicki Michela Garlock’s We All Have Sacred Spaces reminded me of an event in my own life when I was a child. My friends and I were all from different religious systems, and we decided to spend a series of Sundays visiting each of our different sacred spaces. It was an illuminating and unforgettable experience. The author’s skilled introduction to comparative religions for younger readers goes several steps further than my own childhood experience. I learned so much from this book. The photographs are stunning. Her coverage of each system is thorough enough to give someone wanting more information a good starting place. I especially appreciated being given the proper pronunciation of the many unfamiliar words and phrases she introduces in her work. This book could play an important role in helping promote an understanding of different cultures, belief systems, and sacred spaces. It’s a marvelous book and well worth reading for children and their caregivers alike. We All Have Sacred Spaces is most highly recommended.