Ablaze: Stories of Daring Teen Saints

by Colleen Swaim

Following Christ is not always easy, but takes courage, patience, and love. In Ablaze: Stories of Daring Teen Saints, Colleen Swaim examines the lives of eight young men and women who were set fire with the Spirit and set free to live lives of extraordinary virtue. All became saints for the outgoing, against-the-current heroism of their teen years.

Read how Chiara Luce, an Italian high school student, faced cancer joyfully, inspiring thousands to throng her funeral in song. Follow Kizito, a brand-new Christian, as his faith is challenged by a king and he is marched to his death for standing firm. From martyrdom to missionary life and from sickness to the silence of religious life, these teens show that we are all called to follow Christ in our own unique ways.

These stories come alive with vivid storytelling and saintly challenges designed to inspire reflection and enflame your heart. Through prayers, images, and maps, catch a glimpse of a saint's world that carries lessons for our own—and discover how you can set our world ablaze with love for the Lord.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Nonfiction, Biography, Spirituality

144 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2011

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

These teens were incredibly inspiring! Although, as much as I hate to say it, I probably would have found them more inspiring if I had read this when I was 14. But it was interesting to read the stories of these teenagers who were likely much kinder, better followers than I’ve been in my life.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, here is a book that I likely wouldn’t have picked up on my own, but because I’m on the summer reading committee at school I needed to read it. I am pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this one. The features I liked best were the reflection questions and the “saintly challenges,” which require teens to be a bit more active to connect with their faith life. Some of the stories are a bit triggering, especially Maria Goretti’s and Kitzmo, but I still enjoyed reading about the lives of the saints and how they were able to connect with God at such a young age.

[Kim R · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s hard to take this book seriously. The sources listed in the back of the book are all modern, so I question the truth of any of these tales. This book seems like someone was attempting to create a gift book for the confirmation gift market instead of compiling true accounts.

[Caelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of short saint stories was very good. I love that it explained, in depth, what really happened. Especially St. Maria Goretti’s story...uh, what an awesome role model. I hope that everyone can learn from her story. ✝️❤️

[Sylvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really inspiring read, would recommend to any teen (:

[John Winkelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The amazing stories of teen saints written for teenage audiences with reflection questions for consideration.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent, but a bit simplistic. Obviously would have enjoyed it more if I were much younger.

[Tucker A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read for school.

[Crystal Boudreaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book! I learned a lot about future and current teenage saints. I appreciated the text support from the catechism about each of the sins. Great read!

[Leslea Wahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of fascinating, but heart-breaking, stories of teens that give everything for their faith. Most of these teen saints will be unfamiliar, but their stories of steadfast courage are all incredible. These teens all lost their lives at a young age through disease or violence but there is so much we can learn from these brave young souls.

[Holly Blades · Rating 4 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from I friend but I wish I had my own copy so I could highlight things and take notes. It was so cool seeing saints my age face their struggles. I loved the diversity of the saints because I hadn't heard of many of them before reading this. I can't wait to read the next one. My only complaint is that some of the jargon was very juvenile, but other than that, it was awesome!

[Lauren Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

And easy read. Extremely enspiring. I would suggest for any teen intrested in learning stories about the saints. Sad that these inspirational young people died at such young ages and endured so much hardship. It really shows what joy you can find even in hardship if you have faith.

[Kendal · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a really great way to learn about some amazing saints. I loved how the book made saintly life more relevant to teens by focusing on young saints and provided advice for Catholic teenagers on how to follow their example