Christian Schools

Educators in Christian schools (Catholic, Episcopalian, Lutheran, evangelical and other denominations) have long used biblical and faith-based stories to teach virtue.  Indeed, a virtuous life is often most fully energized by the life of faith.  On this page,  we feature some religious and faith-based resources that support and exemplify the virtues and may be used in a variety of settings.   Bibles, bible anthologies, stories by virtue, and lives of the saints are listed below.  We list Old and New Testament stories, though Jewish schools will find additional listings on the Jewish Schools page.  Feel free to send any additional suggestions to [email protected]

"Thou, Dear God": Prayers That Open Hearts and Spirits. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Edited by Lewis J. Baldwin. Beacon Press, 2014. All ages. 
The perfect choice for Christian schools of faith in January—our month of courage and the observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this year falling on Monday, January 15, King's real birthday. This book of King's prayers throughout his career is divided into prayers for different moments throughout life: "Prayers for Spiritual Guidance," "Prayers for Special Occasions," "Prayers in Times of Adversity," "Prayers for Strength in Times of Trial," "Prayers for Uncertain Times," and "Prayers for Social Justice." All ages will gather spiritual insight from King's prayers, in addition to a deeper understanding of the breadth of his career. 

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Bible Stories: Anthologies & Children's Bibles

DK Illustrated Family Bible. Sally Tagholm, Andrea Mills. 
​Illustrations by Julian De Narvaez. Dorling-Kindersley,  2013. (3-6)
This 320 page volume is an excellent anthology of well-told, spectacularly illustrated Old and New Testament stories.  Sally Tagholm has retold the key stories with grace and fidelity to the scriptural text.  Andrea Mills has interspersed helpful historical background at the time of a particular event. Excellent maps and informative sidebars with photos are great assists. Many classical works of art bring the famous stories to life (Rembrandt's version of Belshazzar's Feast, for example, or Giotto's Presentation of Jesus in the temple) and the original artwork by de Narvaez (expressive pen and ink drawings enriched with subtle color) is striking and beautifully rendered.  This is another DK triumph that will find a home on the shelf of believers or any family that recognizes Biblical literacy as an important goal. Specific stories are noted below as *pg...

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KJV Holy Bible for Kids.  Hendrickson Publishers. 2008. 1108 pages.  A colorful, complete King James version of the Bible for children (Old and New Testaments).  The print is good size and translation is faithful.  Includes supplementary sections on miracles of the Old Testament, New Testament, and Old Testament prophecies of the Passion and more.  (Publisher recommends this for ages 8-12.)

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The Catholic Children's Bible. St. Mary's Press. 2018. Vividly illustrated, this Bible uses the Good News Translation, and has many kid-friendly features:  a colorfully and helpfully divided Table of Contents, background information, close-ups on certain stories, though it is a complete Bible. Some may find the translation differs from classic Scripture renderings in ways that are jarring: for example, "Am I my brother's keeper?" is rendered as "Am I supposed to take care of my brother?" But it is instructive and engaging.

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Douay-Rheims Bible - First Communion Gift Edition. St Benedict Press, 2020. Douay Rheims is a classic Catholic translation of the Bible. The text is accompanied by stories of lives of saints, daily Catholic prayers, and beautiful illustrations.

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The Kingfisher Children’s Bible. Retold by Ann Pilling.
Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Kingfisher, 1993. (3-6)
A fine retelling of the major Old and New Testament stories. Illustrated with wistful watercolors.

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NIV Adventure Bible. Lawrence O. Richards, ed.  Zonderkids, 2011.  A lively, complete Bible with colorful illustrations and helpful text boxes throughout. "Words to Treasure" text boxes showcase classical verses that kids may wish to memorize.  This New International Version is used in many Lutheran schools.

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The Good Samaritan and Other Parables Tomie DePaola.
​Holiday House, 2017 (K-3)
Some of the best known parables of Jesus, illustrated with jewel tone paintings.

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Tomie DePaola's Book of Bible Stories. ​Tomie DePaola.
​Puffin Books, 2002 (2-4)

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Psalms for Young Children. Marie-Helene Delval.  Illustrated by Arno Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2008 (K-3)
Selected psalms paraphrased for young children, accompanied by beautiful, bright illustrations.

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Young Jesus of Nazareth.  Marianna Mayer.
Morrow, 1999. (1-4)
Mayer draws on a variety of sources (biblical, mystical, and apocryphal) to weave this visually stunning narrative of Jesus’ youth. The nativity story is followed by the flight into Egypt, the holy family’s life in that land, their return to Nazareth, the finding of the child Jesus in the temple, etc. Art from the old masters make this a rich book. Mayer provides a good explanatory note for adult readers.

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Moses’ Ark. Stories from the Bible. Alice Bach and J. Cheryl Exum. Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon. Delacourt Press, 1989 (3-6) Schools of Faith
13 Bible stories (taken from Genesis through Kings) lyrically told and beautifully illustrated. These stories help you to understand the times and culture as well as enticing you to learn more about these times and people. The endnotes illuminate details that add to the history.

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The Life of Jesus in Masterpieces of Art.  Mary Pope Osborne.
Viking, 1998. (3-5)
This vivid and beautiful recounting of the life of Jesus is the best overview currently available at the elementary school level. Osborne has written a lovely text that is faithful to the gospels but clear and intelligible to third graders. Every episode from the Life of Jesus is portrayed, as the title indicates, in classic works of art that both awe and inspire the reader.

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​Books below are listed by virtue.
For stories themed to specific religious holidays see our Holidays tab.  
When we cite a Bible story, parable, or miracle, we have used the classic biblical abbreviations. 
​For example, in Christian bibles, Noah's Ark, a story of God's mercy, is found in the Old Testament book of Genesis, sixth chapter, ninth verse and continues to the ninth chapter and seventeenth verse; it is rendered as Gen 6:9-9:17.

Compassion/Mercy/Charity

The life, parables, and teachings of Jesus abound with examples of compassion and mercy (healing the sick, curing the blind, feeding the hungry, care for those in need).  Jesus is moved to heal particularly when the cure is sought by one who has faith in him.  Below we list a few possibilities with standard biblical citations.

Jesus heals:

• the crippled man lowered through roof by his friends (Luke: 5:17-39)
• leper(s) (Mt 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16)
• the centurion's servant (Mt 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10)
• the blind man of Bethsaida (Mk 8:22-26)  
• the paralytic (Mt 9:1-8; Mk 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26; Jn 5:1-18)
• the bleeding woman (Mk 5:21-43; Mt 9:18-26; Luke 8:40-56)
• the deaf mute of Decapolis (Mk 7:31-37)
• ​Malchus, whose ear is severed by Peter (Mt 26:51; Mk 14:47;Luke 22:50-51, Jn 18:10-11)

Jesus feeds hungry crowds (Mt 14:13-21;  Mt 15:29-39;  Mk 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17)  
Parable of The Good Samaritan:  care for the stranger and outcast  (Luke 10:25-37)
​Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man:  attending to the needs of the poor (Luke 16:19-31)

St. Jerome and the Lion. Margaret Hodges. 
Illustrated by Barry Moser. Orchard Books Watts, 1991. (4) Compassion
The early medieval Doctor of the Church removes a thorn from the paw of an injured lion and gains a life-long friend & guard. Works well with medieval unit.

Mother Teresa: The Smile of Calcutta.  Charlotte Grossetete. Illustrated by Catherine Chion.  Ignatius Press, 2016. (2-6)Despite its picture book format, this lovely work is for second grade and up. A touching presentation of Mother Teresa's path to God through the service of others.

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Good King Wenceslaus. John M.Neale. 
Illustrated by Tim Ladwig. Eerdman's Books, 2005. (K-1)Compassion
Beautiful paintings tell the tale of this 10th century king who befriended the poor.

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Courage - Old Testament

​Abraham leaving Ur: the courage to leave all behind and answer God's call; Gen 12: 1-9
Moses: the courage to lead the Israelites out of Egypt; Ex 3 -14
Joshua: courage to be new leader of Israelites and take them to the Promised Land Joshua; 1-1-18
Deborah: prophetess and judge, goes to battle for Israelites against Sisera; Judges 4:4-12
Hannah Prays for a Son: courage to ask God for needs and defend herself from criticism; 1 Sam 1: 1-18
David and Goliath: courage of the youth David to battle the Philistine giant who threatens the Israelites; 1 Sam 17:1-58
Esther: courage to stand up to her husband/king to protect her people; Est 4:4-17, 5:1-10
Daniel in the Lion's Den:  his courage in continuing to pray to God alone, and not worship false gods, though he  is thrown into the lion's den; Dan 6:10-23
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: their courage when sent to the fiery furnace for failing to worship false gods; Dan 3:8-100

Queen Esther. Tomie dePaola. Ignatius Press, 2020 (K-2)  Courage, Loyalty, Schools of Faith
A recently re-published edition of the classic Bible story first told by de Paola in 1986.   Esther stands up for her people and overcomes the influence of the evil Haman.

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Esther’s Story.  Diane Wolkstein. 
Illustrated by Juan Wijngaard.  Harper Trophy, 1998. (3-5)Loyalty
A moving retelling of the Old Testament story, in which one woman’s faithfulness and courage save her people. When the King’s advisor, Haman, hatches a plot against the Jews, Esther, the Jewish girl turned Persian Queen, intercedes for her people. She risks ignominy and death to foil the scheme. Glorious illustrations bring new life to the ancient story.

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The Story of Daniel in the Lion's Den. Michael McCarthy.
​Illustrated by Giuliano Ferri. Barefoot Books, 2003 (1-2) Courage

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David and Goliath.
Beatrice Schenk de Regniers
Illustrated by Scott Cameron. Orchard Books, 1996. (2-6) 
A stunningly illustrated and fast-paced retelling of the Old Testament classic in which young David, the weakest and least respected of eight brothers, agrees to do battle against the Philistine giant, Goliath. With slingshot in hand and courage from above, David triumphs.  Out of print at present but easy to track down and worth the effort.

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Courage -New Testament 

Annunciation:  Mary choosing to accept God's call, though at personal cost; Luke 1:26-36
Peter tries to walk on water: Mt 14:22-33
Agony in the Garden: Jesus accepting the will of the Father as he approaches his passion; Luke 22:39-44
Peter preaches publicly about Jesus to those who had killed him: Acts 2: 14-36
Paul's trip to Rome: Encouraging those who are holding him captive in a dangerous sea voyage; Acts 27
Peter and John continue to preach, though beaten: Courage to suffer for God; 1 Peter 18-25

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Faithfulness

Ruth and Naomi: Ruth remains faithful to her widowed mother-in-law; Ruth 1:4-22

Faith in Adversity - Old Testament
Most of the courage stories in Old and New Testament are also exemplars of various biblical figure's faith in adversity (See Courage above)

    Noah: Genesis 6-8:22                                                                                            
    Moses: Exodus
    The Story of Job (Book of Job)

Noah's Ark. Jerry Pinkney. Chronicle Books, 2002 (K-6) Faith, Hope

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Joseph. Brian Wildsmith. Erdmans Publishing Co, 1997 (K-3) 
Wildsmith's beautiful watercolors bring the story of Joseph to life.

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Exodus. Brian Wildsmith. Erdmans Publishing Co, 1998 (K-4) 

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Faith in Adversity - New Testament

   The Annunciation: Mt 1:18-23; Lk 1:26-38
   Jesus is Born: Mt 2: 1-12; Lk 2:5-19
   Flight into Egypt: Mt 2:13-15
   Jesus Calms the Storm: Mt 8:23-27, Mk 4:35-41, Lk 8:22-25
   The Centurion's Servant: Mt 8:5-10
   Walking on Water: Mt 14:22-34; Mk 6:45-53; Jn 6:15-21
   The Garden of Gethsemane: Mt 26:36-46; Mk 14:32 -41;Lk 22:43-46; Jn 18:1

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Forgiveness

The Prodigal Son:  father welcomes repentant son home;*pg 234; Luke 15:11-32; 
The Unmerciful Servant:  his debts are forgiven but he won't forgive another servant; *pg 236; Mt 18:21-35;  
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector: Jesus pardons him & dines with him; *pg 242; Lk 19:1-10
Jesus forgiving his crucifiers: *pg 268; Lk 23: 32-49
Jesus pardons Peter's betrayal and asks him to lead Church: *pg 274; Mark 14

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Joseph. Brian Wildsmith. Erdmans Publishing Co, 1997 (K-3) Forgiveness
Joseph forgives his brothers their treachery. Wildsmith's beautiful watercolors bring the story of Joseph to life.

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Generosity, Charity

The Feeding of the Five Thousand: *pg 233; Mt14:13-21; Lk 9:12-17;Mk 6:31-44; Jn 6:1-14
Lazarus and the Rich Man: *pg 238; Lk 16:19-31
​The Rich Young Man: *pg 241; Mt 19:16-30; Lk 18:18-30; Mk 10:17-31

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The Story of the Three Wise Kings. Tomie DePaola. Putnam Juvenile, 1983

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The Miracle of Saint Nicholas. Gloria Whelan. Illustrated by Judith Brown. Bethlehem Books, 1997. (K-3) Christmas, Generosity 
Set in communist Russia, Alexi’s grandmother regales him with stories of how their Russian village used to celebrate Christmas ("before the soldiers came" and shut down the church). She recalls the crowded Mass, the glittering candles, all watched over by the icon of St. Nicholas. That hasn’t been possible since revolutionary troops closed the church 60 years before. Alexi not only dreams of a miracle that restores the church and gives the villagers back their beautiful celebration, but he works to make it happen. This story is a great reminder that religious freedom is not guaranteed world wide.

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Hope

Exodus. Brian Wildsmith. Erdmans Publishing Co, 1998 (K-4) 

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Noah's Ark. Jerry Pinkney. Chronicle Books, 2002 (K-6) 

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 A Christmas Story.  Brian Wildsmith. Oxford University Press, 2007 (K-6)

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The Birds of Bethlehem by Tomie DePaola. Nancy Paulsen Books, 2012 (K)
​A lovely retelling of the Christmas story from the perspective of the birds.  Charming DePaola illustrations highlight the events of the Nativity.

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'Twas the Season of Advent: Devotions and Stories for the Christmas Season. Glenys Nellist. Illustrated by Elena Selivanova. Zonderkidz, 2021. (1-2) Schools Of Faith
Advent reflections, day by day as we look forward to Christmas. By the same authors as ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas.

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Federico and the Magi’s Gift. A Latin American Christmas Story. Beatriz Vidal. Knopf Books, 2004 (K-3)  Holiday, Hope
Four-year-old Federico is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Three Kings, who (legend) visit the home on the twelfth night of Christmas, and bring gifts.  He is anxious because of his past misbehavior, and now he fears that the Magi will not bring him his wish of a toy horse. "Perhaps if you promise to behave better next year," his father prompts...  In his heart, Federico vows to do better.  Vidal's magical illustrations of the night sky and Federico’s home life will make this a Christmas favorite.

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The Christmas Tapestry. Patricia Polacco. Puffin Books, 2008.  Courage, Hope, Wonder (3-6)
If you build it, will they come? Jonathan Jefferson Weeks cannot understand why his minister father agreed to leave the beautiful bustling church he'd built in Tennessee to begin again with a dilapidated wreck of a church (and no congregation) in Detroit.  Jonathan had loved his school, his neighborhood, and his friends.  Now everything is new,  and well... ugly.  Dad reminds Jonathan that they'd begun with worse in Tennessee and are where they are for a reason.  The reason turns out to be not simply building something new, but reuniting a family separated by the Holocaust! Just read it and weep:  this is a heartwarming story of how a tapestry hung to conceal a crack in the church wall, ends up weaving together family members who had lost each other. Themes of kindness across faiths, hope, and wonder, all brought to life with Patricia Polacco's signature lush illustrations.  

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Bambinelli's Sunday: A Christmas Blessing. Amy Welborn. Illustrated by Ann Kissane Engelhart. Franciscan Media, 2013. Hope, Faith, Wonder (2-6) 
A beautifully illustrated and magically told story of a little boy living with his craftsman grandfather in a small Italian town.  Alessandro's parents have gone to seek work in another country, and grandfather carves figures for nativities.  The child is lonely and worried, but finds solace in creating his own "bambinelli," or Baby Jesus, which he plans to take to Rome to be blessed by the Holy Father on "Bambinelli Sunday."  The experience of creating something beautiful for God begins to draw him out of himself, but the trip to Rome offers additional surprise and an unforgettable Christmas blessing.

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The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree. Gloria Houston. Illustrated by Barbara Cooney. Dial Books, 1988. (1-6)
It's 1918, and in the hills of Appalachia both Ruthie and her mom await Ruthie's Dad's return from the war (World War I).  It is their family's turn to donate the church's Christmas tree, and many months before, Ruthie and her Dad had selected it high in the hills of the family farm.  Though an armistice has been declared, Dad is nowhere in sight, so will they be able to make good on their pledge? A heartwarming story of family devotion, sacrifice, and the ties that bind.

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Humility

DK Illustrated Family Bible. 
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector: Proud Pharisee prays without humility, the humble Publican's prayer is heard.*pg 239; Lk 18:9-14
The Centurion's Servant: Because of the Centurion's faith Jesus cures his servant, *pg 210 Mt 8:5-10
Preparing for Passover: Washing disciples feet, the Last Supper. *pg 257 Jn 13:4-12

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Tomie DePaola's Book of Bible Stories. 
​Tomie DePaola. Puffin Books, 2002 (2-4)
The Tower of Babel: pg 27;  Gen 11:1-9

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The Good Samaritan and Other Parables Tomie DePaola.
​Holiday House, 2017 (K-3)
The Great Feast: The guest in the lowest seat is invited to go to a higher place. Lk 14:7-14
The Pharisee & The Publican: Proud Pharisee prays without humility, the humble Publican's prayer is heard. Lk 18:9-14

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Mercy
Sermon on the Mount, The Beatitudes: *pg 204; Mt 5:1-12
The Prodigal Son: *pg 234; Lk 15:11-32
The Unmerciful Servant: Debtor receives mercy then denies mercy to the man who owes him; *pg 236; Mt 18:21-35
Lazarus and the Rich Man: Lazarus goes to heaven after being denied comfort by the rich man; *pg 238; Lk 16:19-31

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Self-Control and Self-Discipline
​​ Temptation in the Wilderness:  Jesus in the desert; *pg 198; Mt 4:1-11; Lk 4:1-13; Mk 1:12-13

Service
​Mary and Martha: Jesus visits, Mary sits at his feet, Martha serves. *pg 231; Lk 10:38-42
​Preparing for Passover, Washing disciples feet, the Last Supper: *pg 257; Jn 13:4-12

William Booth: Soup, Soap, and Salvation. Janet and Geoff Benge.
​ (5-8) Service, Compassion
An excellent faith-based introduction to the life and work of William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army.  It is 208 pages, so not exactly a Morning Gathering read-aloud, but excellent reinforcement for students to read on their own.

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Stewardship

Brother Sun, Sister Moon. Katherine Paterson. Illustrated by Pamela Dalton. Chronicle Books, 2011. (K-3) Schools of Faith, Stewardship, 
A stunning re-imagining of Saint Francis of Assisi’s hymn of praise to God for the gifts of creation. The detailed cut-paper illustrations are so eye catching, it is hard to turn the page. However, the next page is of equal delight. Katherine Patterson includes the full text of the Canticle of the Creatures at the end.  A natural choice for November in Catholic schools. 

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Wisdom

The Sower:  Parable of the sower and the seed that falls on rocky, thorny and good soil. *pg 216
Mary and Martha:  The sisters talk with Jesus about Lazarus' death. Jesus brings him back to life. *pg 231 
Wise and Foolish Maidens: Waiting for the groom, half of the maids let their lamps go out. *pg 245

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Lives of the Saints - Anthologies

The Treasury of Saints and Martyrs. Margaret Mulvihill. 
Viking, 1999. (4-6)
A handsome oversized volume that introduces the lives of over 40 Christian saints. Ordered chronologically and illustrated with masterpieces of art, this book profiles Mary and Joseph, Paul of Tarsus, the four evangelists, and some of the lesser known saints: Basil, Hildegard, Martin de Porres, and others. Good for “Lives to Learn From.”

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Saints. Lives and Illuminations. By Ruth Sanderson. William B. Eerdmans, 2013 (4-6)
A lovely one-hundred-sixty page volume devoting two pages to each of seventy-four saints of the Catholic Church. Stunning illustrations (for which Ruth Sanderson is rightly famed) pair with succinct biographies. Feast days and patronage are included with each saint. An inspirational treasure.

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Stories of the Saints: Bold and Inspiring Tales of Adventure, Grace and Courage. Carey Wallace, Illustrated by Nick Thornborrow. Workman Publishing, Inc. 2020. (2-6)
The striking illustrations carry the day in this gorgeous volume.  Lives of the saints are recounted in lyrical text in chronological order from Polycarp, Perpetua and Felicity, to Helena, John of the Cross, and Maximilien Kolbe.  Many little-known saints can be found here. Students preparing for Confirmation will profit from them.  Because they are in chronological order, the lives of the first say, 15 saints, almost invariably end in martyrdom.  Teachers will want to pre-read before introducing to the class.

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Stories of the Saints

The Holy Twins, Benedict and Scholastica. Kathleen Norris. Illustrated by Tomie DePaola. G.P. Putnam and Sons, 2001 (1-3) Schools of Faith, Friendship, Faith in God.
Born in A.D. 480 in Italy, twins Benedict and Scholastica were the best of friends growing up. When it was time for school, Benedict was sent to Rome to study and Scholastica was educated at the local convent. Benedict was saddened by the terrible things he saw in Rome and decided to live in prayer as a hermit. Others came to seek his help, and eventually he was asked to lead the nearby monastery. Benedict was a tough leader and some monks wanted him out. Yet, many miracles occurred through Benedict’s prayer, and he developed rules for monastic life that are still in use today. Scholastica remained close to her brother and advised him, the twins meeting yearly to talk and pray. They are buried together. Tomie Depaola’s illustrations clearly show the love of Benedict and Scholastica and are evocative of Italian frescoes.

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Brigid's Cloak.  An Ancient Irish Story. Bryce Milligan. Illustrated by Helen Cann.  Eerdmann's Books for Young Readers, 2002.  (K-4)  Generosity, Diligence   
A lyrical retelling of the Irish saint's life and legend.  Tradition has it that on the night Brigid was born (fourth century A.D.), a Druid wizard visited her mother to present her with a blue cloak as a symbol of God's favor on her daughter. Years passed and Brigid, a humble shepherdess, wore the cloak each day as she tended her flocks.  One night during her prayer Brigid is transported to first century Bethlehem and is working at the Inn, where Joseph and Mary seek shelter.  She procures the stable for them and wraps a shivering Mary in her own blue cloak, and the Christ Child is born. Our Lady thanks this "child of the West" for her generosity. When Brigid wakes from this vision in her own stable by her own sheep, she finds the tattered blue cloak she had worn fully restored and covered in golden stars.  The cloak was a source of many miracles during Brigid's lifetime and is kept now in the Cathedral in Bruges, Belgium.  Vivid illustrations bring the lovely tale to life.  Excellent for December with its emphasis on generosity, as well as Christmas.

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Roses in the Snow: A Tale of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. Desi Jackson.
Illustrated Lydia Grace Kadar-Kallen. Quis et Deus Press, 2014 
​Feast - November 19
Beautifully illustrated with vibrant watercolors, this story of Saint Elizabeth is also true to her Hungarian roots.

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Saint Francis of Assisi. Demi. Wisdom Tales, 2012 (3-6) Feast - October 4
A riveting story of the life and times of St. Francis (1182-1226) as he journeyed from a wealthy boyhood to the life of a soldier (fighting in the Crusades) and finally to a life of prayer, poverty, and preaching, as he heeded God's call to "rebuild his church."  One sees Francis's love of life and generosity of spirit throughout his youth, but after he falls ill, and has a vision of the crucified Christ, his life changes.  Francis preached to ordinary Umbrian peasants, and drew others to him, founding an order of priests and sisters, who would follow in Jesus's footsteps, living a simple life and helping the sick and the poor. Demi's detailed, gold-embellished, signature illustrations will hold your attention throughout the story.  Excellent accompaniment for Core Knowledge fourth grade unit on Medieval Europe.

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Brother Francis of Assisi. Tomie dePaola. Ignatius Press, 2020. (K-2) Saints
 A newly published edition of an old favorite

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 Joan of Arc: The Lily Maid. Margaret Hodges, .
Illustrated by Robert Rayevsky. Holiday, 1999. (1-3)
In a quiet and beautifully simplified retelling, Margaret Hodges presents the story of Joan of Arc for younger readers. The illustrations draw children into the medieval world. Hodges, with characteristic depth and dignity, tells the story of St. Michael and the angel voices that spur Joan to take up arms for France. Her courage stands highlighted against the background of betrayal.

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Stanley, Diane. Joan of Arc. Harper Collins, 2002. (4-6)
​Stanley’s detailed text and glorious artwork bring the story of medieval heroine, Joan of Arc, to life. Motivated by the commands of God and the love of country, Joan fights valiantly for France, and endures betrayal and death at the stake as a result. Brilliantly shows Joan’s life of fidelity. In her preface, Stanley provides a brief history of the Hundred Years War and adeptly explains the political situation at the time. Excellent for the 4th grade Medieval Europe unit.

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St. John Bosco and His Big Gray Dog. 
Hayley Medeiros. Caritas Press, 2015 
​Feast - January 31

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John Paul II. The Journey of a Saint. Louis-Bernard Kock, Guy Lehideux, Dominique Bar.
Ignatius Press, 2014 (4-6) Schools of Faith, Lives of Saints
A graphic novel about the life of Karol Wojtyla, who became Pope John Paul II. We follow Karol from his youth in Poland, a strong student, devout in faith, curious, interested in sports, but one who meets with great sadness when at age nine, his mother dies. His faith deepens particularly as he commits himself to the Blessed Mother.  This book follows Wojtyla's difficult young adulthood, as Poland falls first to the Nazis (who sentence him to hard labor in a stone quarry) and then to the Soviet Union.  Wojtyla confronts threats to freedom with World War II and Communism in the post war period.  As pope, he was instrumental in ensuring the liberation of Eastern Europe from communism in 1989.

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Just for Today. St. John XXIII. Illustrated by Bimba Landmann.
Eerdman’s Books for Young Readers. (1-4) Schools of Faith
A wonderful starting point for developing a virtuous life based on the Daily Decalogues of Pope John XXIII. Written and illustrated at a peaceful, meditative pace.

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Lucia. Saint of Light.  Katherine Bolger Hyde. Illustrated by Daria Fisher. Ancient Faith Publishing, 2009.  (2-6)  Courage, Compassion
An ornate retelling of Lucia's life -- a story within a story.  A young girl of Swedish descent dons a lacy white gown, a crown with candles, and fixes "Lussekatter" - Lucy Cat Pastries for her parents on December 13.  Bringing the treats in to her parents bedroom, she asks her mother to once again explain their significance. Her mother recounts the tale of a Sicilian martyr who became patroness of Sweden. There are many twists and turns in young Lucia's life (aiding Christians in the catacombs  wearing candles on her head), but she had the courage of her convictions, became a martyr for the faith, and was honored for helping the Swedish people in time of famine.  Courage and concern for the poor are highlighted.

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St. Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend.  Julie Stiegemeyer 
Illustrated by Chris Ellison. Concordia, 2003.  (K-3)
​A young child’s introduction to the real St. Nicholas, fourth century bishop of Lycia, who helped provide a dowry for the daughters of a local villager, and whose generosity is commemorated in tales of Santa Claus.

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​The Secret of St. Nicholas. Ellen Nibali  
Illustrated by Lon Eric Craven. Fairand Books, 2010. (3-5)
Historically based introduction to St. Nicholas by a master-story teller and talented illustrator.  Recounts the story of Nicholas’s attempt to rescue three daughters who were to be sold into slavery, and his emergence as bishop of Lycia.

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Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland. 
DePaola, Tomie. Holiday, 1994. (K-4) Feast - March 17
The adventures of Patrick, who is abducted from his Breton home, sold into slavery in Ireland, escapes, and returns to the Irish people to preach about God.

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Saint Patrick and the Peddler. Hodges, Margaret. 
Orchard Books, 1993. (2-6) 
​Feast - March 17
Delightful St. Patrick’s Day story set in Ireland at the time of the potato famine. St. Patrick calls a poor peddler on a quest. Peddler follows and is rewarded for his faith and faithfulness.

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Saint Valentine. Robert Sabuda
Macmillan, 1992. (3)
Story of the physician/priest who attempted to restore sight to a blind girl (270 AD). He was cap- tured by Roman officials and falsely charged with causing a popular uprising. Before being thrown to the lions, he sends a note and crocus to the young girl signed “From your Valentine.” She is cured. Excellent themes of courage and moral fortitude. Works well with ancient Rome unit. Illustrated in Byzantine, mosaic splendor. 

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Mother Teresa.  Demi.
Margaret McElderry Books, 2009. (4-6) Humility, Compassion
Demi’s exquisite books on major figures in world religions set her apart.  She has respectfully told the stories of the Buddha, Confucius, Krishna, Jesus, and Muhammad. Her Mother Teresa is a sympathetic, accurate and visually elegant presentation of the life of Agnes Bojaxhiu, the Albanian-born Sister, who became known to the world as “Mother Teresa.”  From an early age, Sister Teresa felt drawn to serve in India.  She started out as a teacher and principal of a girl’s school, but increasingly felt called to serve the poorest of the poor and to live among them.  She founded a religious order to do just that, and specifically, to serve Jesus in “the poor, the abandoned, the sick, the orphaned, the dying.” Demi presents Mother Teresa as an extraordinary “organizer, energizer, and galvanizer, a true leader,” but she does not shy away from presenting her deep faith as her unwavering motivation. The text includes several of Mother Teresa’s prayers and reflections on seeing Jesus in the poor.  There is a generous amount of text in this book, so plan ahead for dividing it over two or three days.

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Our Lady, Queen of Saints

Gifts of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Demi.  Wisdom Tales, 2018 (K-3)
Demi tells this story simply yet powerfully. She traces the beginnings of Catholicism in Mexico to 1519, when Hernan Cortes conquered the Aztecs. Many of the the native people resisted Catholicism because of the cruel treatment they received from the Spaniards. Twelve years after Cortes's conquest, Aztec peasant Juan Diego was on his way to pray when he saw a vision of Our Lady. Demi’s golden illustrations exemplify the miraculous way that the Blessed Mother appeared. She instructs Juan Diego to go to the bishop and ask him to build a great church. The bishop asks for a sign.  Mary sends roses in December, along with the imprint of her glorious image on Diego’s cloak. The overwhelmed bishop builds the church, which even now displays the sacred image. Ten million Aztecs were converted here in the next eight years. Demi's illustration capture the wonder of the story.  Excellent for first grade use in Core Knowledge Schools (Spanish colonization of America).

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The Lady of Guadalupe. Tomie dePaola  
Holiday House, 1988.  (3-5)
A reverent retelling of the Virgin Mary’s appearance to Juan Diego, an Aztec peasant, in Mexico in 1531. The “Lady of Guadalupe” appears in the clothing of an Aztec maiden, but offers the love of the Christ child. This classic is still in print more than two decades after its first publication, and explains the origin of Mexican devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

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Our Lady's Wardrobe. Anthony DeStefano. Illustrated by Juliana Kolesolva. Sophia Institute Press, 2020
A charming poetic telling of Our Lady's apparitions with an emphasis on the various ways her clothing (simple during her lifetime) reflected her heavenly majesty and the people/cultures to whom she appeared.

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