ISBN 9798281655736
ASIN B0F6M48JTX
I have read a bit about Carlo prior to giving this little volume a read. I picked this up mainly for my youngest two children, but have enjoyed the other two in the series I have read, especially the volume on Pope Leo XIV. The description of the book is:
“Can a kid who loved video games and soccer become a saint? Carlo Acutis did—and his story is inspiring kids everywhere!
Blessed Carlo Acutis: The Boy Who Showed the World Jesus is a powerful chapter book (ages 8–10) that tells the true story of a modern teen who used his talents for God.
Inside this inspiring book, young readers will discover:
How Carlo Acutis loved the Eucharist and built a website about miracles
How he lived with joy, kindness, and deep faith—even when facing leukemia
How he became the first millennial on the path to sainthood
Perfect for:
Catholic schools, homeschool curriculum, and First Communion gifts
Kids who love real stories about faith, courage, and technology!
Plus:
Timeline of Carlo’s life
Reflection questions
Glossary
Whether you're learning about saints for the first time or looking for a fresh story of faith in today’s world, Carlo’s joyful witness will inspire every young heart.
Be original. Be brave. Be bright. Follow Carlo’s highway to Heaven!”
I do not know if the author, Paddy Bréagnamh, is a real name or pen name, I can only find the 5 volumes in this series and the one on Saint Patrick in several book stores online. This third volume I have read in the series is a great read and I look forward to the remaining two. The chapters and sections in the volume are:
Introduction
1: A Kid Like You
2: A Heart for God
3: Gifting the World
4: A Big Challenge
5: The Race to Heaven
6: A Future Saint
7: The Canonization That Waits
8: Be a Saint Today Reflection Questions Timeline of Blessed Carlo Acutis Glossary Mini Saints Library Series
Mini Saints & Missionaries Library Series
This volume is written for young readers, it would be considered an early chapter book. Each chapter has an illustration on the chapter title page. The material was put together very well. It is a great introduction to the soon to be saint, or a reminder about him and his life. I highlighted several passages while reading this volume some of them are:
“Some saints lived a long, long time ago. But some saints lived only a few years ago—just like Blessed Carlo Acutis. Carlo wasn’t a king, a knight, or a famous explorer. He was a kid who loved soccer, computers, and hanging out with his friends. He also loved Jesus with all his heart—and he found ways to bring that love into everything he did.”
“This is the true story of a boy who lived in the busy, modern world—and still chose the highway to Heaven.”
“Carlo was born in London in 1991, but his family soon moved back home to Milan, Italy. He was an only child, and from the very beginning, he was lively, cheerful, and curious about everything.”
“He didn’t wait for someone to tell him to pray. He didn’t go to church only because he had to. He wanted to be close to Jesus all on his own.”
“Carlo just wanted to be close to Jesus in the Eucharist—the way you want to stay close to your very best friend.”
“Every day after school, Carlo would stop at a church on his way home. Not because he had to. Not because he wanted to impress anyone. But because he wanted to spend time with Jesus, hidden in the Eucharist.”
“But everything he did—his games, his studies, his friendships—was offered to God, like a beautiful gift.”
“Carlo believed that holiness wasn’t about doing big things. It was about doing small things with big love.
● Smiling at someone who felt alone.
● Helping a younger student understand homework.
● Saying thank you, even when no one noticed.
“Our aim must be the infinite,” Carlo said. “Not the finite. The Infinite is our homeland. Heaven has been waiting for us forever.””
“When he couldn’t go to Mass, he asked for Holy Communion to be brought to him. He clutched his rosary. He whispered prayers. He trusted that God had a plan, even if it didn’t make sense.”
“Carlo was now known as Blessed Carlo Acutis, the first millennial—a kid from the modern world—to be recognized on the path to sainthood.”
“Even though he had lived just fifteen years, Carlo had proven that holiness isn’t about age—it’s about how you live, how you love, and how you say “yes” to God every day.”
“Carlo is already shining in Heaven—whether the official ceremony happens tomorrow, next year, or even farther in the future. His life is still changing the world. His example still calls young people to be brave, joyful, and close to God.”
And I especially loved this quote from Carlo that appears a few times in the book:
“All people are born as originals,
but many die as photocopies.
Don’t be a photocopy.”
I hope those quotes give you a feel for this volume. Over the years I have read two other volumes about Carlo, and this is an great little read about this Blessed. At the end of the volume is a selection of reflection questions for group discussion with kids. It was a wonderful little read. I enjoyed this volume. I can easily recommend it, and this Mini Saints and Missionaries Series.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!
Books about Carlo Acutis:
…
Books in the Mini Saints & Missionaries Library Series:
From Pirates to Parades: The Story of Saint Patrick and His Day
Venerable Augustus Tolton: Priest of Freedom
Saint Thomas the Apostle: From Doubt to Devotion
…
No comments:
Post a Comment