Ablaze: Stories of Daring Teen Saints

I have just read the first story, about St. Dominic Savio, but I have to recommend this book for teens. Teachers and Parents would do well to get this book. The chapters are full of gems to reinforce the stories and how they relate to the teen reading the book. As the stories unfold, teens are asked questions to help them relate the saint's story to their own. This brings the story home, making the saint a partner in the reader's own teen struggles. To evangelize teens, a story has to relate to them. These saints, and Christ Himself, have to be seen as real, and this book does that. This book would be a great addition to every Catholic school and religious education program. Parents would do their teens and preteens a great service to get this book for them.

"Ablaze" by Colleen Swain is exactly the type of book that I would recomend to my students when I was teaching. I would tell them that if they wanted to read exciting and inspiring stories, they should read about the lives of real people; people like saints and historical heroes. "Ablaze" definitely fits into this catagory. Our young people (and people of all ages) need more stories that highlight real role models such as the ones highlighted in this book. Too many of the people who are glorified in todays society are 'not' known for their virtous and decent lives. So I applaud anyone who gives our kids better and more wholesome exemples to follow. "Ablaze" also gives questions that make us ponder our own actions and encourages us to write our thoughts as we consider what we have read. Well written and Inspiring!! --- [...]

Love this book. I have twins that are preparing for confirmation. I wanted them to have more relevant resources for saints. This fit the bill perfectly. There are reflection questions, prayers, even a recipe in one of the books. I bought both volumes, one for each twin. I am planning on purchasing again so they can each have a copy of both books. They don't want to put these down and are interested in the volume that they do not currently have.

I bought this book based on the glowing reviews it had. Learning about the lives of these saints was definitely inspiring, but unlike the other reviewers, I was disappointed by the writing style. Unfortunately, certain story parts were vague and underdeveloped, and some information was presented in a way that left us confused. Also, some sentences, I felt, were "dumbed down" for teens, the book's target audience. They were written in a style that perhaps the author thought they could relate to. I don't think teenagers need to be patronized or talked down to. I think we should have more faith in their ability to recognize the truth and beauty of our Catholic Faith in simple, but beautiful language. Obviously, these holy TEEN saints (the subject of this book) were able to do just that.

Not a great read, but the questions at the end of the chapters are helpful in creating introspection and conversation with my kids. I wish the book had more modern day saints that boys could relate to. I was disappointed that Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati wasn't included in the book. The writing in the book isn't great, and in an effort to be brief, doesn't have enough detail in some places. Still, it's useful in that the chapters are short, with enough information, followed by topics of discussion that it is a decent learning tool, but not as enjoyable or inspiring as I had hoped.

My teenage grandson told me the other day he had finally read this book and was surprised at it's content. He liked the book which is considerable considering he is 17 and it's hard to find anything religious that he might like. Very glad I gave it to him.

Our friend passed on her copy to us and we loved it, so we got our own.Don't forget to pick up the Radiate book as well. More GREAT relevant stories! Teens and adults alike will get hooked on these (our) real-life heroes! Tell your teen about one of your favorites in the book and bookmark it for him/her... watch what happens.GREAT JOB, Colleen!

Very interesting stories of teen saints and there lives. Many of these saints I had no idea existed. Written very well and very good on the kindle. Overall, I give it four stars.

amazing book , i bought for my kids 14 and 13