These are among books suitable for kids’ summer reading according to Catholic News Service reviewer Regina Lordan.
(CNS composite)
“Carlo Acutis: God’s Computer Genius” by Ellen Labrecque, illustrated by Dan Wegendt. Pauline Books and Media (Boston, 2021). 63 pp., $21.95.
Carlo Acutis is one of the only teenagers on the path to sainthood. Born in 1991, he lived his short life focusing his interests and talents toward doing God’s work — in person and online.
He was a humble evangelizer through his example of being a joyful student who played soccer and the saxophone and who served the poor in his home city of Milan, Italy.
Laden with sidebars about geography and the sacraments, “Carlo Acutis: God’s Computer Genius” also includes graphics, photographs and illustrations. Ages 9-13.
“10 Hidden Heroes” by Mark K. Shriver, illustrated by Laura Watson. Loyola Press (Chicago, 2021). 23 pp., $14.99.
Counting books are great tools for teaching math and literacy. Seek-and-find books enhance early academic skills, focus and fine motor skills. In “10 Hidden Heroes,” readers are charged with seeking, finding, counting and identifying everyday heroes and helpers hidden in glossy and colorful full-page illustrations.
Written by the chief strategy officer at Save the Children, this book comes to life with brightly animated images.
“10 Hidden Heroes” was honored with a Christopher Award for 2022, awarded to media that represent “the highest values of the human spirit.” Ages 3-10.
“Champion of the Poor: Father Joe Walijewski” by Philip Kosloski, illustrated by Michael LaVoy. Voyage Comics. (Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, 2021). 30 pp., $6.99.
Vibrant, glossy comic images tell the story of Father Joe Walijewski, a priest of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wis.
Once rejected from the priesthood due to poor grades, he eventually became an adventurous missionary and the beloved founder of Casa Hogar Orphanage in Peru.
Voyage Comics offers many more comic-book tales, covering whimsical stories of a crime-fighting hero to the brave adventures of St. Joan of Arc. Ages 8-15.
