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(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Oliver Dominguez.
This affectionate picture-book biography of Pope Francis, born Jorge Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, briefly covers his childhood and early years as a Jesuit priest dedicated to helping others before describing his papal achievements thus far. Dominguez's warm acrylic, gouache, watercolor, and ink art highlights the hopeful enthusiasm that permeates the text. Otheguy's appended note discusses her Latinx family's connection to Catholicism. Timeline. Bib., glos.
(3)
4-6
Real-Life Story series.
This in-depth biography examines the life of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis in 2013, richly detailing his upbringing in Argentina and his progression from Jesuit novice. Bergoglio's humility, love for the poor, and dedication to social justice are emphasized alongside political and social upheavals in Argentina and within the Catholic Church. A well-rounded and -researched portrait. Timeline. Bib., ind.
(4)
4-6
Who HQ: Who Was...? series.
Illustrated by
Dede Putra.
Grosset's long-running Who Was...? series is re-branded. These readable, informative biographies are marred only by the caricatured cover illustrations (typical of the classic series) and interior pencil illustrations that are inconsistent in style. Otherwise, these will give young readers a good sense of who these people were (or are). Occasional full- and double-page text boxes successfully illuminate related topics. Timeline. Bib. Review covers these Who HQ: Who Was...? titles: Who Was Jane Austen?, Who Was Chuck Jones?, Who Was Coretta Scott King?, Who Is Ralph Lauren?Who Was Alexander Hamilton?, Who Was Lewis Carroll?, Who Is Pope Francis?, and Who Was Andrew Jackson?.
72 pp.
| Loyola
| February, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8294-4433-9$18.95
(3)
K-3
In conversation with Antonio Spadaro. "Why are there not as many miracles anymore?" "Why do you need that tall hat?" Children from every continent ask Pope Francis questions about himself, the Catholic faith, and church tradition. Francis's answers give readers his perspective on religious questions and a sense of his humanity. Appropriate for browsing and of interest to Catholic educators, the book is illustrated with children's art.
32 pp.
| National
| December, 2015
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4263-2254-9$13.99
|
PaperISBN 978-1-4263-2253-2$3.99
(4)
K-3
National Geographic Readers series.
These beginning-reader biographies provide very basic outlines of their subjects' lives and importance. Readers will come away with enough background information to get a sense of how each subject has made an impact on the world. The photographs and sidebars are informative, but the overall layout is excessively busy. Timeline. Glos. Review covers these National Geographic Readers titles: Rosa Parks and Pope Francis.
32 pp.
| Eerdmans
| April, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8028-5461-2$16.00
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Bimba Landmann.
Pope John XXIII's prayer of living each day to the fullest and with intention is published in picture book format. The abstract concepts are illustrated with images of a child leaving his room and living a life of the imagination. Landmann's whimsical, stylized paintings suit the language, but this book has more to offer adults than young children.
(4)
4-6
Newsmakers series.
This accessibly written series is notable for its clean layout, including color photographs, sidebars, and charts. The mostly complimentary narratives are solid overviews of their subjects' early lives, successes, and failures. A "Stop and Think" feature offers discussion questions that can be used for assignments. For the living subjects, the content will soon become outdated. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Newsmakers titles: Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Vladimir Putin, Malala Yousafzai, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Nelson Mandela, and Pope Francis.
48 pp.
| Lerner
| November, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4677-2176-9$26.60
(4)
4-6
Gateway Biographies series.
This unremarkable biography covers the life of Jorge Bergoglio from his childhood growing up in Buenos Aires to his rise as a Jesuit leader to his election as Pope in 2013; the narrative also touches on controversial issues such as Bergoglio's actions during Argentina's "dirty war." The photographs, sidebars, and historical context serve as useful supportive material. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.
104 pp.
| Lucent
| December, 2008
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4205-0093-6$32.45
(4)
YA
People in the News series.
From politicians to actors to world leaders, these biographies provide mostly adulatory portrayals of their subjects (with the exceptions of Castro and Kim Jong Il); occasionally something controversial slips in to spice up the texts. Each volume includes biographical information, photographs, and career highlights (through 2008). Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Salma Hayek, Nancy Pelosi, Al Gore, Coretta Scott King, Pope Benedict XVI, Fidel Castro, and Kim Jong Il.
109 pp.
| Chelsea
| December, 2006
|
LibraryISBN 0-7910-9227-5$30.00
(4)
YA
Modern World Leaders series.
By placing the featured leader in a historical context, this series, part history and part biography, challenges the reader to consider the concept of leadership. Each book features a comprehensive discussion of the subject's childhood experiences and rise to power, significant historical events, international relationships, and ideology. The text is dense; some photographs and drawings help break up the pages. Reading list, timeline. Bib., ind. Review covers these Modern World Leaders titles: Jacques Chirac, Tony Blair, George W. Bush, Hugo Chávez, The Saudi Royal Family, Pope John Paul II, Vladimir Putin, and Pervez Musharraf.
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Carolyn Croll
&
Carolyn Croll.
Barton retells Gallico's short story of a boy determined to do whatever it takes to heal his sick donkey. The retelling is much abbreviated but uses some of the original text and maintains the spirit of the original tale. The flat, simplified art with its gold, green, and brown tones gives the reader a strong sense of the Italian setting.
48 pp.
| Lerner/Millbrook
| March, 2002
|
LibraryISBN 0-7613-2320-1$$22.90
(4)
K-3
Gateway Biography series.
In this readable, informative biography, Parks introduces the life of Pope John Paul II, including his childhood in Poland, the influence of his experiences in World War II, and his many travels and efforts to end long-held religious conflicts around the world. The tone is respectful and at times laudatory, but Parks mentions some of the criticisms of the Pope's teachings. Ind.