Genre

Children’s fiction, religious fiction, historical fiction

Audience

Children 8-12

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2018

Themes

Eucharistic miracles, the real presence, conversion, faith, Jesus, the Eucharist

Reviewed by

Dr. Lisa Theus

There are hundreds of ways that God can reach us through the Eucharist. Before reading, I thought this book would be focused more on the Eucharistic miracles where blood and flesh are witnessed in a remaining host. That type of miracle is the one I associate with the phrase “Eucharistic miracle.” I was pleasantly surprised to see the many events in this book. Kathryn Swegart, O.F.S., chose a variety of miraculous events, from a donkey showing reverence to a consecrated host to a priest stopping a tsunami! Readers young and old will be on the edge of their seats to see in what way Jesus chooses to reveal Himself and His power.

This book is a lovely introduction to understanding the miracle of the Eucharist. It provides 13 brief stories based on real, documented events from Church history. The power of the Eucharist unites all the stories and leaves the reader in awe of God’s wondrous gift to us. The book includes the miracles of Skete, Lanciano, Rimini, Assisi, Kranenburg, Krakow, Avignon, La Rochelle, Pibrac, Tumaco, Fatima, and Buenos Aires. It also includes a lesson from St. Philip Neri.

The writing and tone are what you would expect from a younger middle grade book. It feels like an Aesop’s Fables or a fairy tale collection meets the reality of the Church. The stories are only a few pages long, with straightforward writing and uncomplicated plots. There is a formula that involves some sort of struggle, usually involving lack of faith, a revelation from Jesus in the Eucharist, and the conversion of the doubtful and/or resolution of the struggle. The stories never get bogged down by details and are perfect for younger readers – not to mention enjoyable for older. The book would be great to read to children who are ready to move beyond picture-heavy books but not quite ready for multichapter books. I can easily imagine reading one story a night at bedtime – although children usually want the same one every night for a while – and inspiring faith and curiosity about the Real Presence. Even I had moments of disbelief while reading (“No way that happened!”), but everything in this book is based on a real event. God can do anything.

Swegart includes at the end modern photographs of several churches and locations mentioned in the book. The pictures add another ‘proof’ to help encourage children to learn about the miracles possible in the Church. I doubt these stories would have appeal to non-Catholics – although Eucharistic miracles are a chance for evangelization and conversion. But it would be a great gift for a Catholic family with young children. It advertises itself for First Communicants, and I agree: it cannot be overstated that Transubstantiation is a difficult concept to teach to Catholics, young or old. Many deny the reality of the Body and Blood of Christ present in the Eucharist. This accessible book can help First Communicants and their families see what a miracle the Eucharist truly is.

Get Catholic Books & eBooks for as little as $1 to FREE

The Boy Who Knew (Friends in High Places: Carlo Acutis) by Corinna Turner

Faced with his death, a fifteen-year-old learns how to live through the wisdom of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

An Exorcist Tells His Story by Fr. Gabriele Amorth

Do not be afraid. The Vatican’s top exorcist shares stories of his day job that prove God’s power over evil.

The Tale of Patrick Peyton

How a humble, Irish immigrant brought Mary to Hollywood and then the World.

Good Morning God by Ginger Swift, Illustrated by Pamela Barbieri

This baby book teaches gratitude for God though it’s interactive pages.

A Life Such As Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer

A chance encounter with an amnesiac soldier leads Brigid to discover the realities of the Civil War.

Lessons In Leadership from the Saints by BJ Gonzalvo, Ph.D.

A book about different Saints to help inspire you to become both a leader and a saint.

The Fire of Eden (The Harwood Mysteries Book 3) by Antony Barone Kolenc

The mystery of a stolen treasure might hold the key to Xan’s discernment about whether God is calling him to the priesthood or to Lucy.

Five Little Angels by Kathleen T. Pelley Illustrated by Dubravka Kolanovic

Children learn how to make angels dance with joy in this dreamy hand-painted bedtime story.

Finnian and the Seven Mountains (Vol. 1) by Philip Koslowski, Michael Lavoy, and Jim Fern

Join Finnian as his quest for a legendary sword takes him to the monks of Skellig Michael, a real life inspiration for the Jedi temple.

There Once Was a Penny by Mark Restaino, Illustrations by J.P. Alcomendas

This nursery rhyme teaches kids the value of faith and how it can help a person to love themselves according to standards not of this world.

Saving the Statue of Liberty By Andrea Jo Rodgers

Can John save the Statue of Liberty and keep from getting kicked off the team and out of the Academy?

Sister Aloysius Comes to Mercyville By Linda Etchison, Illustrated by Denise Plumlee-Tadlock

A young nun teaches children how to offer up their daily irritations to God.

See No Evil; A Father Gabriel Mystery by Fiorella De Maria

In Post-WWII England, nearly everyone has something to hide—even kill for. Father Gabriel starts uncovering the truth, bringing souls the chance for redemption.

Cinderella by Charles Perrault

The true story of the Catholic saint who inspired the myth of Cinderella

A Fisher of Women: The Tale of the Forgotten Healer of Galilee by Catherine Magia

Before she and husband were Saints, Peter and his wife struggled just to heal themselves

Unrepeatable: Cultivating the Unique Calling of Every Person By Luke Burgis and Joshua Miller, PhD

Every person is gifted with a primary vocation from birth based on motivational patterns.

Murder in the Vatican by Ann Margaret Lewis

Sherlock Holmes teams up with Pope Leo XXIII to solve crimes in the Holy City.

Outlaws of Ravenhurst, by Sr. M. Imelda Wallace, S.L.

The 10-year-old heir of a noble Scottish family must choose between his inheritance and his Catholic faith.

2021 Summer Reading List for Preteens

Six series that are a must-have for your Preteen’s library ages 8-13

Jesus Do You Want to Be My Friend? by Mark Restaino, Illustrations by J.P. Alcomendas

This delightful picture book lets young readers imagine the daily life of the Christ Child while also teaching simple prayers.