Books for Kids About Pope John Paul II

John Paul II was the second-longest serving pope in the history of the church, and he was one of the most beloved popes, sometimes referred to as John Paul the Great. He is praised for many of the things he helped the church to do such as improving relations with many other churches and faiths. He is a important figure in the Catholic Church, and parents who want to share his legacy with their children can rely on a variety of children's books to tell his story.

  1. 'Lolek -- The Man Who Became Pope John Paul II'

    • Written for children ages 4 to 12, this illustrated book by Mary Hramiec Hoffman tells the tale of the childhood of the man who would become the pope. The story follows the young Karol Lolek Josef Wojtyla though poverty and oppression growing up in a communist country during World War II. As he grows, the book shares his accomplishments in promoting peace, equality and the fall of communism. Not only does the book explore the life of our time's most famous pope, but it also shares information about key beliefs in the Catholic Church, such as the use of the rosary.

    'Karol from Poland: The Life of Pope John Paul II for Children'

    • M. Leonora Wilson's book is another biography of the pope as a young boy and then a young man. While this book shares information about young Karol's life in Poland and the circumstances of the war, the focus is on his spiritual journey, including early lessons from his mother about God and the importance of faith. Through his ordination as a priest -- and then a bishop, cardinal and, finally, the pope -- and through hardships he faced, such as being shot, the book talks about key concepts in the Catholic faith such as forgiveness, redemption and salvation. It's written for children ages 4 to 8.

    'Pope John Paul II: Young Man of the Church'

    • This book for children ages 8 and older follows the young Karol to learn about the important events that encouraged him to become a priest, including the death of his mother and brother and the persecution of some of his friends during World War II. The book shares an inspiring message of overcoming despite the odds to do something amazing and to help others. It's a fine lesson for children of any faith.

    'A Children's Story of Karol Wojtyla, Pope John Paul II'

    • This book from Maksymilian Bondyra offers another perspective on the life of the young Karol Wojtyla. With illustrations from Joe Lee, children ages 8 and older will learn about how the young boy grew up to become the pope, overcoming war and struggling to get his religious education in secret. The book shares a bit more about the young boy's other passions such as his love for knowledge and his childhood hobbies.

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