ISBN 9798899680052
eISBN 9798899680069
ASIN B0F81XRST5
As soon as Pope Leo XIV was announced I started looking for books by and about him. Over 20 showed up within hours, and hundreds by the next morning. I added this and a few others to a wish list to keep an eye on, then a few days later this was available for free so I gave it a try. The description of the book is:
“From a quiet childhood in Chicago to the Vatican balcony—discover the incredible true story of Pope Leo XIV.
When Robert Francis Prevost became Pope Leo XIV in 2025, many were surprised. But those who knew him weren’t. This humble priest had spent decades walking with the poor, listening with compassion, and leading with heart.
Now, kids ages 8–12 can explore the journey of the first American Pope in this engaging chapter book filled with real-life inspiration, global adventure, and timeless values.
Easy-to-read chapters
Beautifully told true story
Timeline, glossary, and reflection questions
Whether you’re Catholic or curious, this inspiring biography will show readers that greatness begins with saying yes to the people around you—and to the call within your heart.”
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. But this little volume was interesting enough I am interested in some of the others. The chapters and sections in the volume are:
Introduction
1: Who Is the Pope, Anyway?
2: Meet Bobby Prevost
3: Called to Something More
4: Life in Peru
5: A Humble Leader
6: How Popes Are Chosen
7: Introducing Pope Leo XIV
8: What Will You Do?
Timeline of Key Moments
Glossary
Author’s Note
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 information is what is generally available online or from the commentators after Pope Leo’s election. It is a good intro to the man and his election for young readers. I highlighted several passages while reading this volume some of them are:
“This is the true story of a boy named Bobby from Chicago. He wasn’t famous or flashy. He didn’t chase the spotlight. He just said yes. Yes to kindness. Yes to learning. Yes to helping others.”
“The Pope is the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, a faith followed by more than one billion people across the world. He’s a spiritual guide, a teacher, and a symbol of unity for Catholics everywhere.”
“But before he wore white robes or spoke to crowds in St. Peter’s Square, he was just a regular boy growing up in Chicago.”
“Bobby was born on September 14, 1955, into a warm and loving family. His mom, a librarian and his dad, a U.S. Navy veteran and school administrator, worked hard and taught him the importance of kindness, honesty, and helping others. He had two brothers, and the house was often full of energy, conversation, and the delicious smells of home-cooked meals.”
“During this time, Bobby felt drawn to a special kind of priesthood. He joined an order called the Augustinians, a group of men who lived in community, took vows of poverty, and focused on service, education, and simplicity.”
“He didn’t just visit Peru. He became part of it. He stayed for nearly twenty years. The people called him “Padre Roberto.” And when it was finally time for him to leave, many wept—not because he was important, but because he had loved them well.”
“Choosing a new Pope isn’t like voting for class president. There are no campaign posters, no speeches, and definitely no commercials. It’s a process filled with prayer, tradition, and a little bit of mystery.”
“In his first appearance, Pope Leo XIV spoke softly. He didn’t shout. He didn’t boast. He simply said, “Peace be with you.”
The crowd went quiet.
In that moment, something powerful happened. People saw not just a Pope, but a person. Someone who was still humble, still prayerful, still deeply human.”
“He didn’t dream of standing on balconies or having crowds cheer his name. He simply followed one small “yes” at a time—saying yes to helping others, yes to learning, yes to leading with love. And look where that yes led him. From the streets of Chicago to the villages of Peru, to the heart of the Vatican.”
“As his papacy begins, many people around the world hope that Pope Leo XIV will continue to walk with the poor, listen to the young, and lead with quiet courage—just like he always has.”
At the end of the volume is a selection of reflection questions for group discussion with kids. I hope those quotes give you a feel for this volume and for our new pope. It was good little read. I enjoyed this little volume. I can recommend it.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!
Note2: This book is currently available on Kobo and Barns and Noble.
Books about Pope Leo XIV:
LEO XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope - Matthew Bunson
When the White Smoke Clears: A Guide to Pope Leo XIV's Early Days
- Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jeff Cavins, Dr. Edward Sri, Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, Fr. Josh Johnson, and Katie Prejean McGrady
Pope Leo XIV - Jesús Colina
Pope Leo XIV Inside the Conclave and the Dawn of a New Papacy - Christopher White
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Books By Pope Leo XVI:
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Blessed Carlo Acutis: The Boy Who Showed the World Jesus
Saint Lorenzo Ruiz: The Brave Witness
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