Dear Pope Francis

February 15, 2016
Gathered from more than 250 submissions, 30 letters from children to Pope Francis are answered in a picture book that feels akin to sitting in on a series of intimate conversations. The letters, hand-written and illustrated, are reproduced on left-hand pages, along with English translations and photos of each child; the pope's answers appear opposite. The questions can be theologically intense ("If God loves us so much... why didn't he defeat the devil?"), deeply personal (Ivan, a 13-year-old from China, asks whether his non-Catholic grandfather will go to heaven), or casual and blunt ("You are not very young anymore," begins one from Dutch twins Hannes and Lidewij). The answers are rarely simple, but the pope writes respectfully and honestly, often invoking larger spiritual and social concepts (questions about soccer and dancing get answers involving teamwork and joy). The injustices of the present are often represented, as well: "In today's world there is so much suffering. And, unfortunately, you know that firsthand," Francis writes to a Syrian boy, Mohammed. It's a uniquely candid project that reveals the curiosities, dreams, and insecurities of contemporary children and offers comfort and advice from a Catholic perspective. Ages 6âup.

April 1, 2016

K-Gr 3-This collection of correspondence between children and Pope Francis is sure to comfort and inspire readers who may have their own questions for the pontiff. Each spread features the child's photo, age, and country, along with a copy of their original letter (with artwork) and a text version. The opposite page is dedicated to the pope's transcribed response. The questions range in tone from political ("How can you settle conflicts in the world?") to lighter, personal ones ("Did you like dancing?"). The pope handles the questions with great care and sensitivity, at times using the child's own drawing to further expand or demonstrate a point. The candid nature of the questions add to the value of this book, as readers will be able to identify with the worries and hopes explored. Back matter includes a note from Antonio Spadaro (the priest in charge of delivering the letters to the pope) and a world map pinpointing the locations of the children featured. VERDICT This tender book is a recommended purchase, especially for those with a large Catholic population.-Briana Moore, School Library Journal

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2016
The People's Pope shows that he is a down-to-earth man who understands both religion and children. Left-hand pages show 30 actual letters and hand-drawn pictures from children around the world, culled from 259 submitted, along with snapshots of the children, their names, ages, and countries, and the typed English texts of their letters. Right-hand pages, on paper meant to look like Vatican stationery, bear the pope's answers, given in an interview with editor Father Antonio Spadaro, many talking about the pictures the children have drawn. The questions ("these are tough...!") are all over the map in terms of both theology and intimacy. An 8-year-old girl from Kenya wants to know how Jesus walked on water, a 10-year-old girl from the Philippines wants to know why parents argue, and Prajla, 6, from Albania wants to know if Francis enjoyed dancing in his youth. Answering in terms children can understand, Pope Francis addresses both their questions and the fears and hopes that lie beneath them. While these questions were likely chosen to present the pope's vision and stances on many matters of Roman Catholic faith--dealing with the poor, the afterlife, prayer, evangelization, mercy (oddly, none address the environment)-- that doesn't mean that his answers to these youngest of his flock are anything other than important or relevant. As Spadaro writes, Pope Francis understands that "One must not complicate God, especially if this complication distances God from the people." People's Pope indeed. (Religion. 4-12)

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