Pope Francis: Builder of Bridges by Emma Otheguy - ADVISABLE

Pope Francis: Builder of Bridges by Emma Otheguy, illustrated by Oliver Dominguez. PICTURE BOOK/NON-FICTION. Bloomsbury, 2018. $18. 9781681195605

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Pope Francis started as Jorge Bergoglio and lived in Buenos Aires where he saw many different walks of life and felt a deep compassion for them all. In his thirties, Jorge became a priest and used his influence to make positive changes for the poor and needy in his community. As his position grew, he continued to look out for others. 

If you are not Catholic, some of this book will be hard to understand and put into context. A little more religious background to the book would have been helpful. I loved the illustrations and learning more about such a public figure’s background.  

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher