Based on first-hand information. Here is the first English biography for middle graders on Maximilian Kolbe, the Polish Franciscan who, at Auschwitz, offered himself in exchange for the life of a man with two children. The biography covers Kolbe's early life, his work as a journalist, and his founding of Niepokalanow, the world's largest friary. Kolbe's act of love and faith teaches young readers important lessons that Christianity means more than just going to church, that the Holocaust actually happened, and that saints can be as real and modern as the person standing next to you in line. For first-hand research, the author traveled to Poland to visit where Kolbe lived and to interview people who actually knew him, including his cousin, his secretary, and one of his students. In addition, the foreword is by Ted Wojtkowski, a fellow camp prisoner and now a well-known Polish American who was standing close to Kolbe when he made his offer of self-sacrifice. Kolbe's story is ideal for children of Polish descent, parochial schools, parish libraries, classes in cultural diversity, and classes on World War II or the Holocaust. And, while written simply enough for children, this book will move all readers showing just how much the human spirit can achieve. +
A Saint for our time of war and prayer in a book for all levels.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
This book is a substantial biography which, while sold as a middle school book, is most accessible and available and comprehensible to every reader. Please do not be dismayed by its label as juvenile literature, as it truly and deeply covers every aspect of this great modern Saint's life, including his mission to Nagasaki, and is graced with excellent pencil illustrations drawn from the most famous photographs of the Saint, including the one I most dearly remember, his prison photo without glasses in Auschwitz, the one which stood above my desk in the monastic cell in France over ten years before his canonization. This the tenth anniversary of the publication by the great Paulist Press of this excellent and comprehensive biography written by Dr. Elaine Murray Stone (author as well of Elizabeth Bayley Seton, An American Saint) is an excellent time to acquire this treasured volume for your spiritual and Hagiographic library. An excellent and comprehensive and factual introduction to this Saint, augmented by a comprehensive bibliography and suggestions for further reading. Good at any age!
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