Table of Contents

A simple childhood -- Between life and death -- The calling -- The teacher -- The years of fire -- From Bishop to Cardinal -- So you will be called -- Timeline -- Who is Francis? -- Francis and the movies -- His three inspirations -- Glossary -- Discussion questions -- Writing prompts -- About the illustrator -- Read more, internet sites, index.

Review

In this graphic novel series, the stories are mostly conveyed through speech bubbles and clearly demarcated text boxes. The visual style is rich and evocative. A scene of a war battle in Amsterdam includes inset close-up illustrations of participants and bystanders. Some text-only narrative includes biography and related topics (for example, "Italy in the Renaissance" or "South Africa and Apartheid"), as well as an overview of the subject's portrayal in film. Complex stories are sometimes compressed. Mandela's first marriage, divorce, and then remarriage occur within a few pages. Some of the detail in Francis will be incomprehensible to non-Catholics. Each text includes discussion questions and writing prompts. A limited number of books are also cited for additional reading, but no sources are listed. VERDICT Generally solid introductions to historical figures, particularly for more visual learners, though less useful for research.--Bob Hassett, Luther Jackson Middle School, Falls Church, VA "School Library Journal, Series Made Simple"

Promotional "Headline"

full-color graphic novels; biographies of influencial historical figures adapted to comic book format; discussion and writing prompts; additional background information about the life the featured historial figure; author and illustrator biographies; glossary; safe for kids

Feature

Discussion Questions, Glossary, Illustration(s)/Drawing(s), More Resources/Suggestions for Further Reading, Table of Contents, Writing Prompts

Details