Saint Martin de Porres: The Story of the Little Doctor of Lima, Peru
Recommended. Age: 8+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
Martin answers contempt with charity, and the book makes that attractive to a child. He is told he is worth less because of his skin, and he replies that what matters is the color of the soul. The reservation is the opening. His mother resents and beats him, and the 1942 racial words are harsh. Read those pages together.
For parents
Read aloud from 6, independent reading from 8 or 9. TAN says kindergarten to grade 3, and Seton uses it in grade 5. Ask why Martin gave the coins away and what it cost him. Ask how he treated people who looked down on him. Explain that God works miracles, and saints only ask.