This book is part of the Encounter the Saints series published by Pauline Books, a series of books on the saints written at the second or third grade level.
My only knowledge of St. Kateri Tekakwitha is from the Vision Saint book, Kateri Tekakwitha: Mohawk Maiden by Evelyn Brown, and her Glory Story CD, but this book seemed to present her story accurately.
My children love St. Kateri. She is the first Native American to be named a saint and one of a few born in the land that is now the United States. Many people love to share her story because it gives us a chance to discuss the Native American culture within the context of the Catholic faith, and that's fine, but her life provides wonderful examples of leading a Christian life and following the call of God within our hearts.
St. Kateri took upon herself many sacrifices such as extreme fasting and mixing her food with ashes. In a story for children (and perhaps instructive for us all), her spiritual director restrained her desires, asking her to remove the thorns she had placed upon her bed. I like that a story for young children reminds them to ask the advice of elders, even in areas of sacrifice.
A pronunciation appears within the story for each name and other Mohawk words, which is very helpful. I think an independent reader might need more assistance. If I give this book to First Daughter to read aloud to me (as I might), I will write the pronunciations down on a sheet she can slip into the book so she can check them as she reads. With an independent reader, I would review the pronunciations before sending him or her off to read. There is a glossary at the back which surprisingly does not include pronunciations.
Overall, this is a nice addition to the series and I recommend it for young readers. (I also highly recommend the Glory Story CD, though I haven't heard new version released upon her canonization in October.)
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Saint Kateri Tekakwitha: Courageous Faith. The Catholic Company is a great resource for all your family Advent activities and supplies this year, such as Advent wreaths and calendars for kids, as well as Christmas decorations such as nativity scene sets and religious Christmas gifts for the whole family.
