The ad for this book does not do it justice. It is far more than just a reading comprehension workbook and although the ad does list the activities involved, it doesn't express their depth or breadth. This book could be used as a unit study! I plan to have my 12 year old select a saint each quarter to prayerfully study and to immerse himself in the saints life and spirituality. Although Isaiah enjoys reading the lives of the saints, when he's done with a book (usually in a few days) his devotion to the saint usually doesn't last long. I think the activities in this book are outstanding for helping the students really love the saint.

The stories are long (about 25 pages on 8x11" pages long with nice photographs) The lesson activities begin with vocabulary words which the kids should review before they begin the story. Then there are a host of different activities, but only the first set of questions are typical "comprehension" questions. Even then they pull the reader in to focus on key points. After the comprehension questions come the part of the lesson activities that are unique and bring the saint to life. "Analyze this" has 5 or 6 questions such as this "How did Gianna take steps to resolve her vocation question? The "Essay Questions" (10 or so) are similar to this "How did the resolutions Gianna made from her retreat change her life?" Next are the "Quotations" (3 or 4) that the children are encouraged to memorize, reflect on and recite. After that comes "Geography and History" activities (about 5) which focus on where the person lived and what was going on in their life at that time. "Research and Report" offer around 4 topics for the student (eg. research and write about Lay Franciscans.) "Write your own Biography" varies between stories. Finally "Putting Your Faith Into Practice" has 3 questions. The following is just one part of one question: "Point for point, comment on Gianna's retreat resolutions......"